FRINGE LAB

FRINGE LAB is the ultimate curtain-raiser to The BRIT Awards, setting the tone, sparking new ideas, and amplifying voices from across Manchester’s music scene.

Across three dynamic activity zones, FRINGE LAB features:

In-depth talks and forward-looking panel discussions
Hands-on masterclasses and workshops
Behind-the-scenes insight from artists and industry leaders
Space to connect, collaborate, and build your network

By day, FRINGE LAB has been curated to inform, inspire, and open doors, whether you’re developing your craft, building a career, or taking your first steps into the industry.

Free Tram Travel

Anyone attending FRINGE LAB during the day will be able to travel for free on the Metrolink trams throughout the day. Just make sure you have your Eventbrite ticket and this letter to show any Metrolink staff.

Live Showcase

In the evening, FRINGE LAB opens its doors to music fans for a live showcase, platforming four artists shaping Manchester’s sound right now - Chloe Slater, Meduulla, Nxdia and Third Kulture.

Expect fresh talent, standout performances, and a celebration of what’s coming next. Limited free tickets are now on sale.

More information

For more information, please scroll down for the full programme schedule and check out our Frequently Asked Questions. You can also keep an eye on our socials for updates. If you have any questions that aren't answered below, please email info@brightersound.com.

Visit our dedicated BRITs Fringe page for more information about the wider programme.

BRITs Fringe is produced by Brighter Sound in partnership with Manchester Music City. Supported by Manchester City Council, GMCA and Manchester Accommodation BID.

Programme Schedule

11-11.15amDrop-in
Introduction
YolanDa Brown OBE DL, Host: Jenna G
The Kitchen
11.15-11.30amDrop-in
The Creative Dilemma
Presentation
Basil Reynolds (Master Coach/Finding The Music Inside)
The Kitchen
11.30am-12.15pmDrop-in
Necessity, the Friend of Creativity: How to Create with Limited Resources
Panel
Connor Cooper (Crop Radio), Adeola Adelakun (Black Creative Trailblazers), Chris Tams (BPI), Meduulla, Mark Lippmann (Scruff of the Neck), Emma Thompson (From The Other), Host: Jamz Supernova
The Kitchen
12.45-1.30pmDrop-in
X Marks the Spot: Collaboration Done Right!
Panel
Des Agyekumhene (Soga World/Certifi World), Phil Charnock (Draw and Code), Adele Tondu (We Generate/Reform Radio), Katie Chatburn (Bassline Classical/Garage Classical), Rich Castillo (Lionbear Music), Host: Baz The Plug
The Kitchen
2-2.45pmDrop-in
Creators' Conversation with The Lottery Winners
In Conversation
The Lottery Winners, Host: Jeff Thompson (Un-Convention)
The Kitchen
3.15-3.45pmDrop-in
Creators' Conversation: No Burnout, Protecting your Creativity and Core with Donae'o
In Conversation
Donae'o, Host: Amelia Fearon
4-4.45pmDrop-in
Protecting and Championing Creative Talent
In Conversation
Nicola Spokes (Island Records), Kate Lowes (Brighter Sound), Becci Scotcher, Elise Brown and Gee Davy (AIM)
The Kitchen
4.45-5pmDrop-in
Close
Jenna G
The Kitchen

Guests and Speakers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FRINGE LAB is a one-day event taking place at New Century in Manchester on Friday 27 February between 10am-5pm.
Expect talks and panels, hands-on workshops, behind-the-scenes industry insight, and plenty of space to meet people and build your network.
FRINGE LAB takes place across three floors, with activity running throughout the day. You can dip in and out of sessions, take breaks, and move between spaces as the programme unfolds.
Emerging artists and music makers
Music industry professionals and creatives
Anyone curious about the future of music, culture and innovation
If you want to understand what’s next in music, meet the people shaping it, and be part of a city that continues to influence music worldwide, FRINGE LAB is where you need to be.
FRINGE LAB is for people aged 16+.
We’re committed to supporting people’s access needs so everyone can feel comfortable and make the most of our events.
We’ve created this Access Guide which will hopefully answer some of your questions around the venue’s facilities, travel, and support available on the day.
Please let us know any access requirements by contacting info@brightersound.com or 07517 416017. While we can’t guarantee that every request can be met, we’ll always do our best and be transparent throughout the process.

Also on at Brighter Sound

See everything in the Calendar

Live Showcase

More information

Programme Schedule

Guests and Speakers

Adele Tondu

Adeola Adelakun

Amelia Fearon

Anton Powers

Antonia Sulley

Anu Omideyi

Balraj Samrai

Basil Reynolds

BazThePlug

Becci Scotcher

Bethane

Chris Tams

Chris Taylor

Connor Cooper

Daley

Danny West

Des Agyekumhene

Didier Atine

DJ Chaise

DJ Paulette

DJ Roesh

Donae’O

Elise Brown

Emma Thompson

FREEQUENCY3

Gabriella Kingsle

Jamz Supernova

Jeff Thompson

Jenna G

Jennifer John

Joanna Weir

Josh Daniel

Julie Weir

Karen Gabay

Karen Nyame KG

Kate Lowes

Katherine Cantwell

Katie Chatburn

Kayah Hazell

Låpsley

Marcel Stevens

Marco Grey

Mark Lippmann

Meduulla

Michelle Escoffery and Osiki Ojo

Mike Cave

Nicola Spokes

Olivia Swift

Phil Charnock

Rachel Waters

Ray Paul

Rebecca Swarray

Rich Castillo

Ruby Duff

Sam Potts

Sarah Dattani Tucker

Scott Lewis

Shell Zenner

Simon Pursehouse

The Lottery Winners

Yelena Lashimba

YolanDa Brown

Zed Bias

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is FRINGE LAB?

Who is it for?

Do I need tickets?

What if I can’t make it anymore?

Can I bring a group?

What's this about free tram travel?

I want to come to the evening showcase. Do I need a separate ticket?

Does a ticket to FRINGE LAB give me access to everything that day?

What about accessibility?

Also on at Brighter Sound

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