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Meet the MU at The Great Escape Festival 2025

The MU will once again be present at The Great Escape Festival, supporting members and engaging with key industry topics between Wednesday 14 and Friday 16 May in Brighton.

Published: 08 May 2025 | 3:05 PM
Brighton pier at sunrise.
If you’re playing, the MU would love to come along - please get in touch with your gig details. Photo: Shutterstock.

The Great Escape Festival, which celebrates new music, takes place 14 - 17 May in Brighton. Also running alongside the main event is the Great Escape music business conference, which features panels, keynote speakers, industry insights and more (conference only delegate passes are available to purchase separately, as well as in addition to festival tickets).

Naomi Pohl, MU General Secretary, will speak on conference panel  ‘AI, Streaming + The Cost Of Touring Crisis: The Music-Maker Perspective’, hosted by the Council of Music Makers (CMM) and the Association of Independent Music.

The session takes place on Thursday 15 at 10:30am, and will explore how emerging technologies and financial pressures are reshaping the experience of working musicians.

Let us know if you’re playing

MU staff will also be available throughout the festival, connecting with members and attending live shows.

Live, Theatre & Music Writers Official Natalie Witts-Kilshaw, East & South East England Regional Officer Tom Eagle, and London Regional Officers Graham Jackson and Simeon Scheuber-Rush will be attending on Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 May, and are keen to support members attending and performing at the festival.

Natalie can offer advice on Live, Theatre and Music Writer issues, and Tom, Simeon and Graham can help with regional/all other issues.

If you’re playing, the MU would love to come along - please get in touch with your gig details:

LGBTQIA+ meet-up

MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, John Shortell, will also be attending the Music+ LGBTQIA+ network meet-up, taking place at the Actors Pub on Friday 16 May, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm.

The informal gathering is open to LGBTQIA+ musicians and music industry professionals looking to connect and share experiences.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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