Output Belfast 2026: Irelands Largest Free Music Conference Draws Industry Leaders to Cathedral Quarter
On Thursday 24 September 2026, Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter transformed into the country’s biggest one‑day music conference. The free‑entry event—billed as the most ambitious edition yet—offered 28 sessions, a gear expo and a headline keynote that united three high‑profile industry figures.
The opening keynote featured Tom Kiehl, Chief Executive of UK Music; Catherine Martin, Head of Policy for Ireland at Ivors Academy and former Irish Minister for Culture; and David Martin, Chief Executive of the Featured Artists Coalition (FAC). Kiehl opened with, “It is a great privilege to be invited to address the 2026 Output Belfast. It is a fantastic event, bringing together so many perspectives from across the music industry. I look forward to listening and working with the delegates as we tackle and find ways forward on the big topics facing the sector.” The remarks were shared on the conference’s official social‑media channels.
Output Belfast is presented by Belfast City Council and Belfast City of Music and programmed by Score Draw Music. The organisers say the conference equips Northern Ireland’s music community with the creative and business skills needed to thrive in a competitive landscape. Workshops, masterclasses, panels and talks cover every facet of the industry.
Highlights of the programme included: - “How Music Producers Get Paid In 2026” (CMU Presents) - “Composing for Television Drama” (Screen Composers Guild of Ireland) - “Championing Afghan & Iranian Women Artists and Indian Classical Music” (Beyond Skin) - “How Electronic Music Breaks in 2026: From Demo to Dancefloor” (Inflyte) - “Everything you wanted to know from a Film and TV Music Supervisor” (European Guild of Music Supervisors) - “Branded! How Music Artists and Brands can work together” (Jameson Presents)
A workshop on tour planning was hosted by the Musicians Union, while a session on live‑event jobs was presented by Frequency Finder.
For the first time, the conference featured a gear expo. Exhibitors such as Audient (mixing consoles, audio interfaces and microphones), Lowden (guitars) and a Dolby Atmos listening experience—powered by a full 7.1.4 speaker system—drew industry professionals and enthusiasts alike.
The free admission model reflects a broader strategy to lower barriers for emerging talent. Organisers say the conference provides “the modern toolkit for solutions, connections, and roadmaps that traditional conferences gatekeep behind expensive tickets and exclusive access.”
Locating the event in the Cathedral Quarter places it at the heart of Belfast’s cultural scene, a district that has seen significant investment in recent years. Partnerships with local authorities and industry bodies such as PRS for Music underscore its role in supporting the region’s creative economy.
Registrations opened on 19 August 2026, and the full programme was released on the Output Belfast website. A special closing keynote announcement was scheduled for early September.
Output Belfast 2026 exemplifies a continued trend toward inclusive, industry‑wide events that blend policy discussion, business strategy and technical showcases. The presence of UK Music, Ivors Academy and FAC highlights the conference’s focus on policy, artist rights and commercial practice.
For those unable to attend, the conference’s recordings and session summaries will be made available on the Output Belfast website after the event.
In summary, Output Belfast 2026 delivered a free, comprehensive platform for Northern Irish musicians, producers and industry professionals, featuring high‑profile keynote speakers, 28 sessions covering a wide range of topics, and a first‑time gear expo. The event reinforced the city’s position as a hub for music innovation and provided networking and educational opportunities that are otherwise limited by cost.
