72 hours in Manchester for Beyond the Music

As you gear up for Beyond the Music 2024, it’s time to plan a dynamic 72 hours in one of the UK’s most creative cities. With Manchester’s thriving music scene, legendary venues, comforting hotels and must-visit eateries, your schedule will be packed with creative and inspiring activities.  

Ready to make the most of your time at Beyond the Music?  

Here’s a guide to your three days in Manchester: 

Day 1 

Start your afternoon by picking up your delegate badge at 3 pm to get fully prepped for the exciting events ahead. Once sorted, head to your hotel for a smooth check-in and a chance to freshen up. For lunch, treat yourself at Ezra and Gil or Foley’s, both offering delightful bites to fuel your day not far from AVIVA Studios.  

Afterward, take some time to explore the city—consider a visit to the Science and Industry Museum for a dive into Manchester’s rich industrial past, or wander through the cutting-edge exhibitions at AVIVA Studios. By 6:45 pm, settle in for an insightful conversation as Aitch chats with Dotty from Apple Music, followed by a gripping documentary premiere and Q&A session at 8:15 pm. At 9:30 pm, it's time to unwind at the after-party.  

For dinner, you could try something local and delicious—perhaps head to The Refuge for some globally-inspired small plates or El Gato Negro for top-notch tapas to close out your first evening. 

Day 2 

Start your morning with coffee or breakfast at the Science and Industry Museum Café or Dept Coffee, setting a relaxed tone for the busy day ahead. At 9:30 am, the conference kicks off with a welcome brunch, a perfect opportunity to mingle and meet fellow attendees. By 10:45 am, don’t miss the keynote session featuring Tony Harlow and Michael Adex, offering insights into the music industry. Stay for the 11:45 am panel, Growing the Grassroots, where industry leaders, including Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, discuss how cross-industry investment can help preserve the music ecosystem. 

For lunch, try Caravan or Bread and Bowl for something fresh and satisfying. The afternoon brings panels on essential topics like the economics of music and the pressing issue of misogyny in the industry. At 4:30 pm, attend the AIM networking event, a valuable chance to connect with professionals in the field. 

For dinner, consider Fenix or Dimitris for some delicious local cuisine before diving into the evening’s showcases. With music venues like Gulliver’s, Aatma, Peer Hat, Night and Day Café, and more, each hosting five live acts from 6 pm onward each night of the conference, you’ll have plenty of performances to choose from. Explore different spots to find your favourite vibe and enjoy a wide range of drinks at each venue while discovering exciting new artists. 

You can find the full programme of artists here. 

Day 3 

Start your final day with coffee or breakfast at AVIVA Studios, where the MMF hosts the 'Morning After' networking brunch at 9:30 am. This gathering will also feature the presentation of the inaugural Northern Manager Spotlight Award, a highlight for regional talent. At 10:30 am, be sure to catch the Tony Wilson Keynote. 

Following this, at 11:20 am, dive into a forward-thinking session on AI and Copyright Law, an essential discussion for anyone navigating the intersection of tech and music. At 12:30 pm, settle in for a fireside chat with Ivor Novello and Grammy Award nominee Richard Jacques, offering insights into composition and creativity. 

For lunch, try The Alan or Another Hand for a relaxed yet refined meal. The afternoon sessions kick off with the BTM Lecture at 2pm, presented by DJ and writer Elijah, including an interactive Q&A. At 3:15 pm, a discussion on the Future of Music will cover where the industry is heading, followed by a 4:30 pm panel on Green Health in the music business, highlighting sustainability and wellness. The day culminates with the Emerging Markets Summit at 5 pm, The Future is a Foreign Country, exploring how global markets are reshaping the industry, featuring an impressive array of industry professionals. 

For dinner, wind down at Tattu for modern Asian cuisine, Blues Kitchen for a soul food feast, or Albert Schloss for a lively Bavarian experience. The night continues with showcases across partner venues, featuring local talent like Westside Cowboy, OneDa, Martial Arts, Lucy Deakin, and Night Swimming. Don’t miss your chance to discover these rising Manchester stars on your last night of Beyond the Music. 

For more ideas and inspiration on what to do during your visit to Manchester, find more information here.