BBC Introducing LIVE Returns to 10 UK Cities in November, Offering Gigs, Workshops and Industry Panels

BBC Introducing, the BBC’s platform for unsigned and emerging musicians, announced that its flagship event, Introducing LIVE, will return this November. The tour will visit ten UK cities – Belfast, Bridgend, Gateshead, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Nottingham and Sunderland – and will feature live performances, immersive workshops, educational panels and networking opportunities.

The programme includes four live gigs in Leeds and a songwriting camp in Manchester. In Sunderland, the event will take place at The Fire Station, where a takeover event will host panels, workshops, open‑mic sessions and an industry feedback centre. The schedule is designed to give musicians and music creators a chance to learn from industry experts, perform, and connect with peers.

BBC Introducing has long championed unsigned talent through its 23 local radio shows and six national programmes on Radio 1, Radio 1Xtra, Radio 2, Radio 6 Music, Asian Network and Radio 3. The platform’s uploader allows artists to submit tracks for consideration, and many have gone on to national exposure. Notable alumni include Ed Sheeran, Raye, Olivia Dean, Sam Fender and Loyle Carner.

Kelly Betts, editor of BBC Introducing, said the event would be the biggest year yet: “Championing and nurturing artists and creatives is at heart of everything BBC Introducing does and so I’m excited that Introducing LIVE will be returning in November for our biggest year yet.” She added that the event will provide emerging talent the opportunity to learn from industry experts, make music and connect with fellow artists.

The 2026 tour follows the BBC’s expansion into the United States, where the Introducing brand launched in December 2025 in partnership with college radio stations in Tennessee. The move is part of the BBC’s strategy to support new music on a global scale.

Industry observers note that the combination of live gigs, songwriting workshops and industry feedback sessions is a comprehensive approach to artist development. By pairing performance opportunities with educational content, the event aims to give creators a practical understanding of the music business while also showcasing their work to a wider audience.

The event’s schedule also aligns with the BBC’s long‑standing commitment to regional music scenes. By visiting cities across the UK, Introducing LIVE continues the tradition of bringing national attention to local talent, a practice that has helped launch careers for many artists over the past decade.

As the tour begins on 5 November and runs through the month, BBC Introducing will broadcast the activities on local and national radio, ensuring that the experience reaches listeners beyond the live venues.

The current plan is for the event to conclude in late November, after which BBC Introducing will evaluate the impact of the tour and plan next year’s activities. No further dates or locations have been announced beyond the 10 cities listed.