Hull Music Cities Convention: Third Wave of Speakers Announced!

The third wave of speakers has been confirmed for the Music Cities Convention, taking place in Kingston upon Hull from 10–11 June 2026.

Continuing to build a programme of strong voices, diverse viewpoints and real-world thinking, this latest group brings together parliamentarians, urban policymakers, cultural advocates and creative economy leaders from across Europe and beyond.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Lord Kevin Brennan, UK Parliament

• Denz Ibrahim, Legal & General

• Luca Jacob, Karneval Berlin

• Signe Jungersted, Creative Consultant

• Charlie Kemp, Tees Valley Combined Authority

• Iryna Lobanok, Ukrainian Institute

• Georgia McDonnell-Adams, Night Time Foundation

• Matthias Rauch, City of Mannheim

• John Robb, Musician, Author and Broadcaster

• Sandra Schembri, NASP

• Susannah Tantemsapya, Creative Migration

Conversations that matter

This wave of speakers signals the depth and range of the 2026 programme, with sessions set to explore:

• Night-time economy and licensing

• Music and public policy

• Diversity, equity and inclusion

• Culture, health and wellbeing

• International collaboration and creative ecosystems

The Convention is designed as a working forum, bringing together practitioners and decision-makers to move beyond discussion toward meaningful, transferable outcomes for cities of all sizes.

Alongside the conference programme, delegates will experience a citywide music showcase across grassroots venues, as well as the Music Cities Awards, celebrating global innovation in music-led development.

A global conversation, hosted in Hull

With over 300 delegates expected from across the world, Music Cities Convention 2026 provides a platform for cities to exchange knowledge, share best practice and build the long-term partnerships needed to realise the full potential of music in urban life.

Further speakers and final session details will be announced in the coming weeks.