Yorkshire Music Forum Convention celebrates 10th year

Record turnout at Leeds’ Belgrave Music Hall as region’s music industry comes together for a decade-marking edition of the annual event

Yorkshire Music Forum marked a decade of the YMF Convention on Thursday 15th October, welcoming its largest crowd to date to Belgrave Music Hall in Leeds. Over 175 music professionals, emerging artists, students and industry guests attended the free, all-day music industry conference, the highest turnout in the event’s ten-year history.

Delivered in partnership with Launchpad, the 2026 Convention brought together expert-led panels, a keynote interview and networking opportunities, continuing its mission to support and champion Yorkshire’s music community. A decade on from its first edition, the event’s growth reflects the appetite across the region for connection, knowledge-sharing and practical routes into the industry.

The day opened with a keynote interview with Chris Tams, Director of Membership & International at BPI, in conversation with Christian Ulf-Hansen. Originally from Wakefield, Chris drew from his impressive 30-year-long career spanning the Britpop era, the rise of label services and the early growth of digital music to discuss his work supporting independent music.

Attendees then heard from industry experts across two discussion panels; ‘Demystifying Sync’ offered a practical look at how music finds its way into film, television and advertising, while ‘Launchpad Presents: Artist’s Journey’ shared invaluable guidance for those at the start of their careers. The day closed with networking drinks supported by BPI.

Now a decade in, the event remains a vital meeting point for the region's music industry; a space where established professionals and rising talent alike come together for discussion, connection, and a look at what's next for music in Yorkshire and beyond.

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Yorkshire Music Forum Convention 2026 was an Arnold Brown LTD event delivered in partnership with Music Local’s talent development programme Launchpad, supported by Leeds City Council through the Leeds Cultural Investment Programme, PPL Giving and PRS Foundation ’s Talent Development Partnership supported by PPL . Additional support comes from BPI (British Phonographic Industry)