PLUS NEW SPEAKERS FROM BBC, WARNER MUSIC, UK MUSIC, BEGGARS GROUP AND MANY MORE 

The Great Escape is thrilled to announce pioneering rock artist Skin as the latest keynote speaker for its 2025 Conference, taking place in Brighton this May. One of the most iconic frontwomen in British rock history, Skin will sit down with Roisin O’Connor, Music Editor of The Independent, on Friday 16 May for an exclusive keynote conversation. 

Taking place just one week before the release of Skunk Anansie’s highly anticipated new album The Painful Truth, the session will offer a rare insight into the tumultuous period that shaped the record. Skin will also speak about her band’s status as one of Britain’s most radical rock groups and the many astonishing milestones they have achieved since forming in 1994, as well as offering her views on the music industry today. 

Reflecting the conference’s core theme of building a sustainable career in music, emerging and established artists alike will have a strong presence at this year’s Great Escape. In a special session presented by AudioActive, rising talents Sophie Faith, Hatter, Lori Asha, and REA will share insights on how early-stage artists can elevate their careers and creative development. They’ll appear alongside high-profile names already announced, including Jordan Stephens of Rizzle Kicks and Simon Raymonde of Cocteau Twins. 

Dozens of new speakers are also announced representing labels, media, agents, artists, influencers, marketers and more. They include Ruth Barlow (Beggars Group), Nazlı Yırtar (Warner Music), Kameil Sattar (Cargo Records), Eunice Obianagha (UK Music), Jasmine Takhar (BBC Asian Network), Kelly Betts (Editor, BBC Introducing), Ruvimbo Gumbochuma (Composer Agent / Leland), Cathy Runciman (EarthPercent) and Josephine Illingworth (Winner of the Tune Into Nature Music Prize), and many more. From major executives to independent disruptors, the lineup reflects the full spectrum of voices moving the industry forward.  

Covering topics such as direct-to-fan tools, sync, mental health, and touring, partner panels come from: VERO Music, Audio Network, Music Support, The Spanish Wave, Pollstar, Brainchild Creative Studio, and Ticketmaster New Music. 

Each year the conference shines a spotlight on emerging leaders through its ELEVATE professional development programme. Funded by Arts Council England and the National Lottery, 21 ELEVATE super-delegates have been hand-picked to receive enhanced access to the festival, alongside bespoke mentoring, invite-only seminars and curated networking opportunities – providing them with essential insights and key contacts to help progress their careers to the next level. 

For those looking to make international connections, Speed Networking returns, presented by the UK government’s Department for Business and Trade. These rapid-fire sessions offer festival delegates the chance to connect with global festival bookers, live agents, music supervisors and promoters — many of whom are travelling in specifically to meet with UK artists and professionals. Applications will open from Friday here. 

With even more names and sessions still to be revealed, 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic years yet for the UK’s leading music conference. 

Delegate passes are available now. Secure yours and join the conversation here: greatescapefestival.com/buy-delegate-passes 

greatescapefestival.com 

 @greatescapefest 

 @thegreatescape 

#TGE25