As part of BBC Introducing LIVE, we’re hosting a special event at The Fire Station in Sunderland on Friday 6th November, 2026.
BBC Introducing LIVE will take over The Fire Station for a day of panels, open mic sessions, and an industry feedback centre. This event will offer attendees the chance to network with top tier industry leaders and receive personal feedback on their music.
The day will feature engaging panels designed to help you develop your music career, grow your audience, and build your brand, alongside a Feedback Centre staffed by industry experts from major & independent labels, BBC presenters & producers, and other key figures from across the music industry. These professionals will be on hand to listen to your music, share their expertise, and provide valuable feedback to help you develop your sound and refine your craft.
You need to be 16 or over to attend this event.
There will also be a limited number for slots for attendees to showcase their talent by participating in the Open Mic slot, you have to be 18+ to enter. Only ticket holders will be able to apply to play the open mic.
Auditorium
Doors: 13:00
- 13:30-14:15: Panel – 45 Minutes - Artist Round Table with 6 Music presenter Emily Pilbeam and guests Heidi Curtis & Esau
- 14:45-15:30: Panel – 45 Minutes - In Conversation with Katy B hosted by Abbie McCarthy
- 16:00 – 16:45: Panel – 45 minutes - In Conversation with James Marriott hosted by Shakk
FireSide
Doors: 13:00
- 13:45-14:30: Panel – 45 Minutes - Generator presents: Where Could Creative Jobs Take You with Thea Van Der Velde - CMO Generator, Jacob Rickard - lemontank, Meg Savage - Digital Strategist & Meg Rotheroe Hemming - Commercial and Creative Strategist
- 15:00-15:45: Panel – 45 Minutes - Building a Community Hosted by Jasmine Takhar and guests include Rianne Thompson from Glasshouse and artists Tom A Smith & SENGI
- 16:15-17:00: Panel – 45 minutes - Breaking Down A Hit Song - Hosted by Radio 1's Jess Iszatt and guest Jin Jin A Global Songwriting Powerhouse
Since its inception, BBC Introducing has championed unsigned British musicians through the BBC Introducing Uploader, with 23 local radio shows and six national shows on BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra, Asian Network, and 6 Music. Many successful artists, including Ed Sheeran, Raye, Olivia Dean, Sam Fender, and Loyle Carner, began their careers with support from BBC Introducing.
