As an Official Partner of the 2026 Mercury Prize, Freight Island hosts a Mercury Prize edition of Playing Out, giving emerging talent the chance to perform alongside more established names and reach new audiences. Expect live sets and artist conversations spotlighting the artists shaping music in the North right now. Headlining: Hannah Robinson
Co-convened and hosted by Newcastle University, the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre, North-East Music Hub and Generator, Amplify North East brings together industry representatives, educators, policy specialists, researchers, young musicians and artists to celebrate the North East’s music sector and explore its strengths, opportunities and potential for future growth. The event aims to strengthen collaboration across industry, education, research and government, helping shape future policy, investment and partnership working across the region.
We are pleased to welcome you to the next BPI Member Meeting.
The session combines a 30-minute illustrated talk with a hands-on collage workshop. Jimmy shares the creative process behind record sleeves, single artwork, music videos and visual identities before guiding participants through his Dice & Disruption methodology. Using found imagery, typography and chance-based prompts, participants will create an original album or single sleeve while exploring how visual ideas respond to sound, mood and storytelling. Suitable for designers, illustrators, musicians, students and anyone developing a playful, experimental creative practice.
Ear to the Ground gives industry the chance to meet Newcastle’s artists first-hand and build lasting relationships with the local music scene. It’s an opportunity for those artists to take the next step in their careers. Each artist will showcase their work to industry guests, playing back previous recordings and performing a couple of new songs live in the studio. They’ll also leave with recordings they can keep and use in the future.
