Output Belfast 2026: Irelands Largest Free Music Conference Returns to Cathedral Quarter

When the historic Cathedral Quarter lights up on Thursday, 24 September 2026, it will do so for a purpose that will resonate across the Irish and UK music scenes: the return of Output Belfast, the country’s biggest one‑day music conference.

The event is free for everyone who wants to attend, and it will transform the district’s historic streets and venues into a temporary hub for music‑industry innovation.

Output, a Belfast‑based company that has organized the conference each year since 2018, has billed this edition as its most ambitious yet. The programme will feature 28‑30 sessions, including workshops, masterclasses, panel discussions and talks that cover every facet of the music business. A gear expo will run alongside the schedule, giving producers, engineers and musicians a chance to test the latest hardware and software.

The opening keynote will bring together two prominent voices from the UK and Irish music scenes. Tom Kiehl, chief executive of UK Music since 2024 and the industry’s collective voice to government, will speak alongside Catherine Martin, head of policy for the Irish branch of the Ivors Academy. Martin, a former Minister for Arts and Culture who introduced the Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme in 2022, now leads policy for the Ivors Academy in Ireland.

Sessions will tackle topics that are shaping the industry today. Discussions will cover how producers will be paid in 2026, the growing opportunities for artists to collaborate with brands, and an exclusive look at the career of Northern Ireland singer‑songwriter Janet Devlin. Organisers say the conference’s mission is to break through barriers that have arisen as attention spans shrink and gatekeepers multiply.

Registration is now open. Organisers expect a mix of local artists, managers, label representatives, engineers and other industry professionals to attend. The free format is intended to lower entry barriers and provide the Northern Ireland music community with the creative and commercial skills needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive environment.

The Cathedral Quarter, known for its historic architecture and vibrant cultural scene, will host the event in a series of venues across the district. The one‑day format is designed to maximise networking opportunities and knowledge sharing among participants.

Output Belfast 2026 is positioned as a key gathering for the Irish and UK music industries, offering a platform for learning, collaboration and exposure to new technology. The conference’s focus on practical skills and industry trends reflects the broader shift toward a more inclusive, technology‑driven music ecosystem.

The event will conclude with a closing session that summarises the day’s insights and outlines next steps for attendees looking to apply the knowledge gained in their own projects.

The conference will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on 24 September, with the final session concluding at 5 p.m. The free event is open to anyone interested in the music industry, and registration can be completed online through the Output website.