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MU Joins Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board

The MU has joined the new Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board alongside artists, venues, labels, media professionals, academics and industry experts. The Board will help shape the future of the region’s music sector and support long-term growth across the local music ecosystem.

Published: 11 May 2026 | 4:40 PM
13 members of the Board gathered in front of some stairs.
Regional Organiser Paul Reed (second right) will represent the MU on the Board. Photo: ©The Glasshouse International Centre for Music.

Bringing together representatives from across the music ecosystem, the Board will draw on members’ passion, expertise and lived experience to help shape the next phase of the Music City initiative. The MU are represented on the Board by North of England Regional Organiser Paul Reed.

Guided by the research and insights set out in the recently published Foundation Report, the Strategic Board will support the Music City Office (co‑led by The Glasshouse International Centre for Music and music development agency Generator) in turning evidence into practical action for the region’s music sector.

A real opportunity to strengthen the North’s music ecosystem

Commenting on the MU’s involvement, Paul Reed MU Regional Organiser for the North of England said:

“Newcastle and Gateshead are where I started my career in the music industry and this part of the region has long been recognised as a rich tapestry of musical talent, ambition and cultural identity.

"We’re delighted to join this strategic board, it’s a real opportunity to seize the moment and strengthen the North’s music ecosystem, offering coordinated leadership and ensuring that musicians and music organisations can thrive”.

Newcastle Gateshead Music City aims to build on the strong momentum already seen across the region, including major label partnerships, a strategic relationship with the BBC, world class venues, and growing investment in skills development and music infrastructure.

Read more about the Strategic Board and Foundation Report.

 

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13 members of the Board gathered in front of some stairs.

MU Joins Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board

The MU has joined the new Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board alongside artists, venues, labels, media professionals, academics and industry experts. The Board will help shape the future of the region’s music sector and support long-term growth across the local music ecosystem.

Published: 11 May 2026

Read more about MU Joins Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board
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