BBC Introducing LIVE returns with events across the UK for young aspiring artists and creatives

The flagship music discovery event from BBC Introducing will take place across ten UK locations throughout November

BBC Introducing’s flagship event, Introducing LIVE, will return with a huge lineup of activities for aspiring musicians and music creators throughout November.

The annual music discovery event will take place in cities and towns across the UK, including (in alphabetical order)

• Belfast
• Bridgend 
• Gateshead
• Glasgow
• Leeds
• Liverpool
• London
• Manchester
• Nottingham
• Sunderland

To celebrate and champion undiscovered talent, the event will include an array of live performances, immersive workshops, educational panels and networking opportunities for up-and-coming and aspiring musicians, DJs and music creators, all at the start of their careers. 

Introducing LIVE will head across the UK including hosting four special gigs in Leeds and a songwriting camp in Manchester. Returning to Sunderland, following the success of Big Weekend, BBC Introducing will also host a special takeover event at The Fire Station, with a day of panels, workshops, open mics and an industry feedback centre planned, all designed to support and inspire the next generation of musicians and music industry professionals.

Since its inception, BBC Introducing has championed unsigned British musicians through the BBC Introducing Uploader, with 23 local radio shows and six national shows on Radio 1, 1Xtra, Radio 2, 6 Music, Asian Network and Radio 3 playing new music each week. BBC Introducing also launched in America in December 2025, in partnership with college radio shows in Tennessee, with the intention of expanding to more states across America in the future.

Many successful artists, including Ed Sheeran, Raye, Olivia Dean, Sam Fender, and Loyle Carner, began their careers with support from BBC Introducing.

Kelly Betts, Editor of BBC Introducing, says: “Championing and nurturing artists and creatives is at heart of everything BBC Introducing does and so I’m excited that Introducing LIVE will be returning in November for our biggest year yet. BBC Introducing will be at events, panels and gigs across the UK giving emerging talent the opportunity to learn from industry experts, make music and connect with fellow artists. Music has the power to unite, inspire, and shape our culture and BBC Introducing’s flagship event will help some of the UK’s rising stars on their journey to achieve this.”

BBC Introducing LIVE 2026 events

Bridgend

Thursday 5 November

In Wales, BBC Introducing LIVE will be joining partners Horizons/ Gorwelion and Beacons Cymru to present The Sound Bridge, a day of new music talks and discussions in Bridgend, South Wales. Headlined by The Bug Club, and featuring Alffa, Chroma and lots of new artists, the event will take place across the Luna Lounge and Black Cat venues, presented in partnership with Bridgend College. 

London

Thursday 5 November and Thursday 12 November

BBC Introducing LIVE will return to The Lower Third in London on Thursday 5 November for a night of live music, hosted by BBC Introducing’s Jess Iszatt and featuring performances from up-and-coming artists, all curated by BBC Introducing. The line-up will be announced shortly. 

Also in London, BBC Introducing LIVE will host a special event on Thursday 12 November, to celebrate the V&A East Museum’s inaugural exhibition, The Music is Black: A British Story. BBC Introducing are teaming up with BBC Radio 1Xtra and partnering with V&A East for this special night of open mics and a panel conversation titled ‘New Black British Sound x BBC Introducing.’

The event will take place at V&A East Museum in Stratford, East Bank with more details on the event, including ticket information and how to apply for an open mic slot, to be shared soon. 

Sunderland

Friday 6 November

BBC Introducing LIVE will take over The Fire Station in Sunderland on Friday 6 November for a day of panels, open mic sessions, and an industry feedback centre. Attendees will get the opportunity to network with industry leaders and receive personal feedback on their music.

The day will feature engaging panels designed to help musicians develop their music careers, grow audiences, and build a brand, alongside a feedback centre staffed by industry experts from major and independent labels, BBC presenters and producers, and other key figures from across the music industry. There will also be a limited number for slots for attendees to showcase their talent by participating in the Open Mic slot.

Tickets are on sale now and are available to purchase on the BBC Introducing homepage.

Manchester

Monday 9 November

The BBC Introducing Songwriting Camp returns to Manchester for its second year with BBC Introducing collaborating with PRS for Music and singer-songwriter Jin Jin, who has worked with Raye, Jess Glynne, David Guetta and Sabrina Carpenter, to host a five-day collaborative song writing workshop.

The invite only event will bring an unparalleled experience for artists and creatives in a studio in Manchester, offering the opportunity for emerging artists to develop skills and collaborate with industry professionals.

Liverpool

Tuesday 10 November

BBC Introducing Live will return to Liverpool for a special Radio 1’s Big Weekend legacy event, following last year’s festival at Sefton Park. BBC Introducing will host a special invite-only evening featuring production masterclasses, a BBC Introducing panel with advice and support for new musicians, as well as BBC Introducing in Merseyside’s Dave Monks hosting Q&A’s with some of the city’s music industry experts. 

Gateshead

Wednesday 11 November

As part of BBC Introducing’s partnership in the North East, the “Pay What You Decide” gigs at The Glasshouse spotlight three emerging regional acts each month. In November, BBC Introducing in the North East’s Shakk will host a special showcase event as part of BBC Introducing LIVE, with the line-up to be announced soon.

Belfast

Friday 13 November

As part of the BBC Introducing in Northern Ireland partnership, BBC Introducing and Shine will be at Ulster Sports Club for a new music showcase on Friday 13 November. Hosted by BBC Introducing’s Taylor Johnson, the live sets will also be reflected on BBC Introducing in Northern Ireland on Radio Ulster.

Nottingham 

Wednesday 18 November

BBC Introducing LIVE will be at Metronome on Wednesday 18 November for a night of live music, hosted by BBC Introducing’s Dean Jackson, featuring performances from up-and-coming artists. The line-up will be announced shortly.

Glasgow

Thursday 19 November

BBC Introducing LIVE will be at Resonate, Scotland’s leading music industry conference based in SWG3 in Glasgow, on Thursday 19 November. BBC Introducing in Scotland presenters Phoebe I-H and Stephanie Cheape will also be hosting a new music showcase with performances by Vlure, Dan Parks, Riley, J.P O’Grady, Quiet Man, Fatale and Ómoia

Leeds

Saturday 28 November

On Saturday 28 November, BBC Introducing will host four showcases across Leeds, celebrating some of the best new music from across the UK. At The Wardrobe, BBC Introducing on Radio 1 will feature a packed programme hosted by Jess Iszatt during the day, followed by Jaguar from Radio 1’s Introducing Dance taking over into the evening. Meanwhile, Emily Pilbeam from BBC Introducing’s Mixtape on 6 Music will showcase some exciting new talent at Belgrave Music Hall, and Oporto will host a dedicated BBC Introducing Rock takeover with Radio 1’s Alyx Holcombe. Artist line-ups and ticket information will be revealed shortly.

BBC Introducing LIVE kicks off on Thursday 5 Novemberand continues throughout November with an array of events, panels and showcases across the UK. More information can be found on the BBC Introducing Homepage.