BBC Introducing Unveils Nationwide Live Events for Emerging Artists After Reading & Leeds Exclusion

BBC Introducing has announced a month-long series of live events across 10 UK locations to support emerging talent throughout November, following the removal of its stage from Reading & Leeds festivals after 18 years.

The events will feature performances, workshops, educational panels, open mic sessions, and networking opportunities in Belfast, Bridgend, Gateshead, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Nottingham, and Sunderland.

The announcement comes after BBC confirmed its BBC Introducing Stage would no longer be part of the Reading & Leeds festivals, where it had showcased artists such as Ed Sheeran and The 1975 early in their careers. The BBC noted its stage had supported approximately 70% of British artists in the festivals’ 2026 line-up.

A Festival Republic spokesperson told NME the Canopy stage would now feature a broader range of emerging musicians, stating the decision aimed to “support a more diverse range of up-and-coming artists, who will hopefully go on to headline the festival in years to come.”

Despite the Reading & Leeds changes, BBC Introducing will continue partnerships with Latitude and The Great Escape festivals.

As part of the new program, BBC Introducing editor Kelly Betts emphasized the initiative’s commitment: “Championing and nurturing artists and creatives is at the heart of everything BBC Introducing does, and I’m excited that Introducing LIVE will return in November for our biggest year yet.”

The events start in Bridgend and London on November 5, concluding with four showcases in Leeds on November 28. The full schedule includes:

NOVEMBER
5 – Bridgend
5 – London
6 – Sunderland
9 – Manchester
10 – Liverpool11 – Gateshead
12 – London
13 – Belfast
18 – Nottingham
19 – Glasgow
28 – Leeds

BBC Introducing supports unsigned musicians through its Uploader platform, 23 local radio programs, and six national shows on Radio 1, Radio 2, 6 Music, Asian Network, and Radio 3. The initiative has expanded internationally, partnering with college radio programs in Tennessee with plans to extend across more U.S. states.

The organization has been instrumental in launching careers for artists including Ed Sheeran, RAYE, Olivia Dean, Sam Fender, and Loyle Carner. However, it has faced recent scrutiny over funding cuts, with local program numbers reduced from 32 to 20 in 2023, prompting criticism from musicians like Sigrid and Elton John.

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