Author: Ash Powney

Ghostwriter Consultancy & Events nominated for two National Outdoor Events Association (NOEA) Awards

We’re proud as punch to share that we’ve been shortlisted for not one, but two National Outdoor Events Association (NOEA) Awards!

As a company that usually operates behind the scenes – helping our partners, venues, and collaborators shine – it means the world to have our work recognised by our industry peers.

We’re delighted to have been shortlisted for:
⭐ Event Organiser of the Year
⭐ Small Event of the Year – Royal Holloway Students’ Union Summer Ball (in collaboration with Cyndeo Events)

We’ve always been proud members of the NOEA community, and we’re deeply grateful for the recognition and opportunity this brings. A huge thank you to our clients, partners, and the brilliant teams we work alongside – this nomination is a reflection of all of you.

We can’t wait to celebrate with all the amazing nominees at this year’s awards!

Everything Everything Kickstarts Live Music At Our Partner Venue Quarters Brighton

Alongside AMAAD (A Man About A Dog) we’re proud to announce the first artists in the live music offering at Brighton’s newest cultural hub, and our partner venue, Quarters. This exciting addition to the city’s thriving music scene sees art pop trailblazers Everything Everything give the Quarters stage its live music debut (01/11/25), with indie favourites The Sherlocks (27/11/25) also confirmed to perform.

We’ve partnered with AMAAD to establish Quarters as a vital destination for live music on the South Coast. Following the recent launch of Quarters’ world-class electronic music programme, the initial live music programme demonstrates AMAAD’s commitment to bringing the full spectrum of contemporary music culture to Brighton, and in terms of quality, is a clear statement of intent.

Everything Everything have scored six top 10 albums, five Ivor Novello and two Mercury Prize nominations, and previously headlined shows at Alexandra Palace in London. Catching them live in the stripped-back intimacy of Quarters will be an unforgettable start for live music at the venue.

Everything Everything said, “We’re excited to be playing a special intimate show in Brighton’s newest grassroots music venue, Quarters, in a city we’ve always been fond of, and that has always been good to us. This will be the first attempt at our Get To Heaven show, and it’s a pleasure to bring it to the independent stage.”

Another big name follows, as The Sherlocks step up to deliver the indie rock anthems that have seen them land four top 10 albums and six top 10 singles, including three #1 hits. With more announcements to come, Quarters remains committed to supporting a range of genres and talent.

Ade Dovey, Business and Programming Development Manager at Ghostwriter, said, “Having begun my venue career in Brighton, the city holds a very special place in my heart. It’s an incredible place, a beacon for forward-thinking, independent music culture, driven by passionate local promoters and a never-ending stream of emerging talent across all genres. Quarters will be a welcome addition to Brighton’s network of grassroots venues, further enhancing what the city has to offer. I can’t wait to reconnect with such a vibrant live music scene again.”

AMAAD founders Paul Jack and Will Harold said, “Brighton has a rich musical heritage and we want Quarters to become part of this – a South Coast destination point where contemporary music culture can thrive. This first live music programme announcement is the next step towards this goal, and there is a lot more to come.”

Built on the hallowed ground of the legendary Zap Club, Quarters has been completely transformed to accommodate both electronic and live music experiences. The bespoke L-Acoustics surround sound system delivers crystal-clear acoustics for live performances, while the venue’s intelligent lighting design heightens atmosphere for acoustic moments or moshpit madness. The venue’s intimate space creates an unparalleled connection between artist and audience, and together with a dedicated chillout area, delivers live music the way it is meant to be experienced.

Our partnership with AMAAD brings decades of live music expertise, and as the team who’ve brought the likes of Little Simz, Yungblud, and Mac DeMarco to The Prospect Building in Bristol, we’re now curating an inspired selection of artists for Brighton.

Further live music announcements and additional programming will follow. For more information, visit www.quartersbrighton.co.uk.

Ghostwriter Consultancy & Events Increases UK Footprint with First Arena Partnership, Creating the Largest Merchandise Commission-Free Venue in the UK

We’re delighted to announce a long-term live music partnership with Braehead Arena (5,300 capacity).

As our first arena partnership, Glasgow’s Braehead Arena joins The Prospect Building in Bristol (3,000/1,350 capacity) and Liverpool Olympia (1,917 capacity) as an exciting addition to the growing family of venues embracing an innovative, artist-focused model. As a result, Braehead Arena will become not only the first arena, but also the largest venue in the UK to not charge artists a commission on merchandise sales.

Following TDL Media’s acquisition of Braehead Arena, this partnership marks the start of a significant programme of investment and strategic collaboration for the venue. It also represents a major step forward for Ghostwriter in both scale and geography, further strengthened by recent senior appointments aligned with the company’s ongoing growth strategy.

Home of the Glasgow Clan, Braehead Arena is embedded in the community and located on the banks of the River Clyde, just 4.5 miles from the city centre. The complex attracts 16.3 million visitors annually and benefits from supporting road networks, ample free parking, and a wide variety of pre-event on-site dining options. The arena is both easily accessible and cost-effective to attend, even when travelling from further afield, with an international airport only 10 minutes away.

Along with a convenient location, the venue provides promoters and artists with a valuable mid-capacity option that bridges the gap between smaller venues and arenas in the region. It offers substantial scale but boasts an auditorium that still feels intimate, ensuring an excellent customer experience in a memorable live music setting.

Gemma Shamah, Operations Director at Ghostwriter, said: “After being engaged as a specialist consultant to review venue operations and identify viable opportunities at Braehead Arena, we are delighted to be chosen as the long-term live music partner. Building on the insights gained through our consultancy and strengthening our relationship with Russell and the venue team, we’re committed to evolving the arena to safely host a diverse range of events and experiences. The space is highly versatile, offering both a fully seated 4,000 and a mixed-format 5,300 capacity. We can’t wait to welcome customers, promoters, and artists into what is truly a special and intimate arena.”

Helen McGee, Ghostwriter’s Head of Venues, added: “The arena has a rich and eclectic heritage, having hosted iconic artists like Oasis, Beyoncé, Megadeth, Kelly Clarkson, Blink-182, INXS, Pendulum, and Snoop Dogg. We aim to once again welcome high-profile performances, working with promoters and artists to deliver a new wave of memorable live experiences for audiences in this vibrant key territory.

“Partnering with Braehead Arena is an exciting step for us, and I firmly believe there’s a real need for a venue of this scale in Glasgow. I’m looking forward to working closely with Russell, David, and the venue team, as the choices we are making represent a shared commitment to driving positive change, engaging local communities, and challenging the status quo.

“I’m particularly pleased that the arena has chosen to recognise the challenges faced by touring artists in the streaming age, and the vital contribution that merchandise revenues now make to the viability of live shows. I also hope that not charging merchandise fees to artists will ultimately benefit our customers by helping to alleviate some of the pressure on ticket pricing as the additional revenue contributes towards the cost of touring.”

Russell Smith, CEO Braehead Arena and Glasgow Clan, comments: “We are delighted to continue working with Ghostwriter, reassured by consultancy that delivered industry expertise, detailed analysis, health & safety oversight, with operational and structural support.

“Working collaboratively, we will empower our team to deliver innovative solutions and implement recommendations, enhancing our overall business performance, shifting market position, and elevating customer experience.

“Driven by shared values, we are proud to be the largest venue and the first arena in the UK to be merchandise fee free for live music events, increasing revenue for artists.

“In partnership with Ghostwriter and other stakeholders, we will bring ‘Braehead Ambition’ to fruition by attracting eclectic retail and leisure activity to the region. We aim to build a sustainable and meaningful future for the venue, supporting both the live music sector and the community we continue to serve. This marks the first of a series of announcements that will see the venue thrive. Through incremental improvements and significant investment, we are positioning ourselves to strengthen our core offerings and elevate the level of service and experience for all our customers.

“The arena is a versatile, multipurpose venue and we aim to attract a wide range of content. From live music and comedy to immersive experiences and exhibitions, we’re committed to delivering a diverse array of exciting activities, including many more thrilling sporting events.”

The arena will operate a voluntary £1 donation per ticket in support of the LIVE Trust for all live music events, with all other Ghostwriter venues operating a voluntary £1 donation per ticket in support of Music Venues Trust.

Ghostwriter’s Finance Director, Victoria Smith, Appointed as Trustee of the LIVE Trust

We’re proud to announce that our Finance Director, Victoria Smith, has been appointed as one of eight new trustees to the LIVE Trust, the major new charitable vehicle launched by LIVE (Live Music Industry Venues & Entertainment) to safeguard the future of UK live music.

Victoria joins a board comprised of some of the industry’s most passionate and experienced leaders, working together to secure vital support for venues, artists, promoters, and the many professionals who make live music possible.

This appointment comes at a crucial time for the UK’s live music sector. Following the recommendations of the 2024 Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) report, the LIVE Trust was formed to deliver an industry-led response to the ongoing crisis facing grassroots venues and the wider ecosystem.

Victoria’s addition to the board reflects her deep expertise in financial strategy, commercial resilience, and her unwavering commitment to ensuring live music thrives in every community. She will serve a three-year term on a voluntary basis, bringing the perspective of Ghostwriter’s hands-on work in venue operations, event management and consultancy.

Commenting on her appointment, she said: “Feeling unbelievably honoured to have joined the board of trustees at the LIVE Trust, alongside a powerhouse group of people I deeply admire.

“The LIVE Trust is a game-changing opportunity; a chance to support grassroots venues, artists, promoters, festival, and all the people who make live music what it is. We’ve been handed the baton after years of work to secure a contribution from arena and stadium shows, with one clear overarching goal: to secure and protect UK grassroots live music – I fully feel the weight of that responsibility.

“On Tuesday, we came together at the stunning Royal Albert Hall for our first meeting. As people filtered into the room, I was genuinely in awe (and a bit overwhelmed) by who had signed up for this. But what struck me most was when we each introduced ourselves, no one led with their career accolades (though they’re seriously impressive!) Everyone spoke about where they started. Why the grassroots isn’t just important, it’s personal – without grassroots venues, none of us would be here.”

The eight new trustees join three existing founding trustees:
• James Ainscough, CEO of the Royal Albert Hall
• Steve Lamacq, BBC 6 Music broadcaster and LIVE Chair
• Kirsty McShannon, founder and CEO of Azorra (recently elected as Chair of Trustees)

New appointees to the LIVE Trust board include:
• Adem Holness, Head of Music, SXSW London
• David Jones, ex-Founding Director, Serious and Co-Founder, EFG London Jazz Festival
• David Laing, ex-Head of Arts, Music and Cultural Venues, Glasgow Life
• Estelle Wilkinson, Artist Manager
• John Cornwell, Promoter and Director, SJM Concerts
• Simon Rix, Performing Artist, Kaiser Chiefs
• Wendy Smith, Creative Director, The Glasshouse International Centre for Music

What does this mean for the future of live music?
With trustees representing every corner of the UK industry, from festival founders to artist managers and venue operators, the LIVE Trust is uniquely positioned to address challenges at every level. The Trust will oversee the distribution of funds raised from the voluntary £1 ticket levy on large-scale arena and stadium shows (over 5,000 capacity), already bolstered by support from leading artists such as Pulp, Diana Ross, Hans Zimmer, Gorillaz and more.

Victoria’s role on the board signals our ongoing commitment not only to the venues and partners we serve, but to the broader grassroots movement. Congratulations, Victoria, we look forward to the positive change your leadership will inspire.

Ghostwriter Consultancy & Events announces live music partnership with new Brighton venue, Quarters.

We’re delighted to announce a long-term live music partnership with Quarters Brighton (450 capacity), as the company continues its strategic expansion across the UK.

This marks a transformative new chapter for Brighton’s iconic beachfront venue. Formerly known as The Arch and legendary nightclub The Zap, Quarters will undergo significant refurbishment across two phases, designed to greatly enhance both customer and artist experiences.

Phase one will see the installation of an L-Acoustics A15 sound system, a new lighting system and improved backstage facilities. It will also combine two existing spaces into a single dancefloor, with additional seating areas and an expanded stage provision. The reimagined venue is set to open its doors in late September 2025.

This announcement marks Ghostwriter’s second partnership with AMAAD (A Man About A Dog), the innovative promoters behind Junction 2, LWE and Boundary Festival, following the recent live music partnership at The Prospect Building in Bristol, featuring 3,000 and 1,350 capacity rooms.

As with all Ghostwriter partner venues, Quarters will not charge artists commission on merchandise sales. It will also offer customers the option to make a voluntary donation to the Music Venue Trust when purchasing tickets for live events.

AMAAD is a well-established electronic music event specialist with a stellar reputation, which together with Ghostwriter’s extensive live music experience will see Quarters offer an eclectic programme of events and activities, making the forward-thinking venue both inclusive and accessible. This collaboration will provide greater choice for both promoters and audiences, further enriching the vibrant tapestry of Brighton’s club and live music scene.

Carl Bathgate, Commercial Director at Ghostwriter, commented:

“We are delighted to be working with AMAAD again, as we share a strong commitment to inclusivity and creating high-quality, safe spaces with community at their heart. Our aim is to support both local and national promoters while delivering enjoyable and memorable experiences for artists and audiences alike. We believe venues should reflect the unique character of their local communities, have their own distinct personality and become valued assets that people can connect with and enjoy.”

AMAAD has committed to significant investment in both the venue and the wider Brighton scene, building on longstanding relationships and placing further emphasis on collaboration with a growing network of local businesses and talent across all aspects of the operation, from management to security.

Ade Dovey, Business and Programming Development Manager at Ghostwriter, added: “Quarters is an exciting new event space for both local and touring artists. With high-end production, comprehensive ticketing, marketing support, and artist-focused promotion, we aim to provide a welcoming stage for musicians to hone their craft, connect with new audiences and take the next step in their journey.

“Having begun my career in Brighton, the city holds a very special place in my heart. It’s an incredible place, a beacon for forward-thinking, independent music culture, driven by passionate local promoters and a never-ending stream of emerging talent across all genres. Quarters will be a welcome addition to Brighton’s network of grassroots venues, further enhancing what the city has to offer. I can’t wait to reconnect with such a vibrant live music scene again.”

Paul Jack and Will Harold, Founders of AMAAD, said:

“We have a long track record of transforming ideas into culturally significant projects and we’re very excited about Quarters. We aim to showcase world-class talent while also providing a platform for collaboration with Brighton’s diverse creative community. We’ve always loved Brighton’s independent attitude and see a great opportunity to build a forward-thinking venue that supports a wide range of culture in the area. Quarters will become an integral part of Brighton’s vibrant nightlife and a vital hub for culture and collaboration.”

Planned to open in late September 2025, and with further expansion and aesthetic improvements scheduled for 2026, this professionally delivered event space is now officially opening its diary for bookings.

Helen McGee, Head of Venues, appointed to MVT’s Board of Trustees

We are proud to announce that our very own Head of Venues, Helen McGee, has joined the Music Venue Trust’s (MVT) Board of Trustees. Helen joins an esteemed cohort of newly appointed trustees, including Adrian Norman, Richard Perry, and Sammy Andrews, at a crucial time for the future of grassroots music.

They join existing trustees and each brings a unique mix of expertise and passion, strengthening MVT’s commitment to safeguarding the future of independent venues. As they join the existing board, the new trustees will play a vital role in shaping and supporting the organisation’s mission, providing essential guidance and oversight for the executive team at a pivotal time for live music in the UK.

Helen, who has a strong track record in managing events and venues, including over 22 years with Academy Music Group, said:

“I have been a supporter of MVT from the outset. What MVT has achieved so far in getting Grassroots Music Venues recognised as the vital lifeblood of the music industry that they are is extraordinary. But there is a long way to go to protect them and keep them central to the communities they support. I’m excited to have been offered an opportunity to be a part of this, and to contribute in whatever way I can.”

The appointment reflects Helen’s longstanding commitment to safeguarding the UK’s grassroots venues – a commitment shared by our whole company. The challenge ahead is significant: with venues under unprecedented pressure, how do we not only protect them but ensure they thrive as hubs of creativity and community?

As the live music sector faces transformative times, we’re excited to see Helen bring her vision and experience to MVT’s Board of Trustees. Congratulations, Helen, and thank you to the Music Venue Trust for recognising the need for strong, passionate voices at the table.

Record Attendance at 2025 ABR Festival – Our Health & Safety Team Rises to the Challenge

An unprecedented crowd of 15,000 motorcycle enthusiasts flocked to the 2025 Adventure Bike Rider (ABR) Festival at the picturesque Ragley Hall in Warwickshire, cementing its status as the UK’s premier gathering for fans of two-wheeled adventure.

With the festival growing bigger and more ambitious every year, this summer presented new challenges and opportunities for those working behind the scenes. Our Operations Director, Gemma Shamah, was on-hand to deliver comprehensive Health & Safety provision for the four-day event, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of thousands of attendees, and fields packed with tents, bikes, and live entertainment.

Health & Safety at Scale: Beyond Box-Ticking

Delivering Health & Safety at an event like ABR Festival is no ordinary undertaking. It demands not only on-the-ground agility but creative thinking, and real collaboration.

Reflecting on the experience, Gemma commented:

“Delivering health and safety at a major outdoor event like ABR Festival goes far beyond box-ticking. It’s about genuine collaboration, creative problem-solving, and – crucially – having the right expertise on site. I’m proud to have been part of the team keeping the festival running smoothly and everyone safe.”

A Partnership Built on Trust

We extend our sincere thanks to Adventurize for trusting in us to deliver this critical role. Supporting an event of this magnitude takes an army of passionate professionals, and we are proud to have contributed and been a small cog in the record-breaking success of this year’s festival.

If you’re a motorcycle fan, the ABR Festival is one to watch – and we can’t wait to see what next year brings.

📸 Photo credit: Adventure Bike Rider

Ghostwriter and Royal Holloway Students’ Union: A Winning Partnership Since 2019

We’re proud to have delivered Royal Holloway Students Unions’ Summer Ball for the fifth year running. Set to a backdrop of a Grade 1 listed building and with a killer line up including Katy B, Nieve Ella, Fish56Octagon, Beth McCarthy and more, 3,500 students had a night to remember, albeit it a slightly damp one!

Ghostwriter first teamed up with Royal Holloway Students’ Union in 2019, providing a complete event solution for their end-of-term Summer Ball. The scope ranged from artist booking – spanning talent like Ella Eyre, Mabel, Olivia Deane, LF System and Wilkinson to event & site design, comprehensive health and safety provisions, and supplier & technical production across two stages at around the historic Founders Building. Ghostwriter not only handled logistics and supplier coordination (rides, toilets, staging, tech), but also managed on-site delivery, stakeholder relations, and a seamless build and break of the entire setup.

Gemma Shamah TechIOSH MIIRSM, Operations Director at Ghostwriter, said: “This year’s event saw not only record breaking ticket sales but unprecedented levels of cooperation across all stakeholders which led to a truly unforgettable and not to mention unique event! We are privileged to have delivered this prestigious event for five years now and have overcome many challenges to ensure a consistently high value event whilst minimising impact to the university and importantly, creating a fun and safe environment for the students.”

Ghostwriter’s continued involvement, has been driven by its ability to adapt, innovate, and deliver festival-grade production. With a strong track record of exceptional execution and tight budget control we have worked closely with Royal Holloway Students’ Union to deliver an exceptional event year-on-year.

This year’s event, held on the evening of Friday, 6th June 2025, introduced a fresh lineup that continued the Ball’s legacy as a highlight of the academic calendar. Headliner Katy B, known for her hybrid blend of garage, house, dubstep, and R&B, was a standout attraction. With all the technical, safety, and design elements again expertly handled by Ghostwriter, the Ball ran smoothly and kept spirits high until late into the night and back into the morning! This year saw around 700 students make it survivors photo at 6am! Quote the feat!

Thank you to our partners Cyndeo Events, the SU, Royal Holloway University and all our suppliers for helping us to deliver another safe and successful event.

Ghostwriter Consultancy & Events Announces Long-Term Live Music Partnership with The Prospect Building in Bristol

Ghostwriter Consultancy & Events is delighted to announce a long-term live music partnership with AMAAD Ltd aimed at expanding Bristol’s live music offering. The collaboration centres on The Prospect Building – AMAAD’s first venue acquisition – which has undergone major redevelopment since its purchase in September 2024.

Located on the banks of the River Avon, just minutes from Temple Meads, The Prospect Building is the first venue to be acquired and redeveloped by AMAAD. Now featuring two custom-built live rooms – a 3,000-capacity Main Room and a 1,350-capacity space called Crane. The venue is poised to become a key destination on the national touring circuit.

The first live events under the new partnership will be a pair of intimate, sold-out Rough Trade out store shows with Little Simz in Crane on 9 June, celebrating her new album “Lotus.” Other upcoming shows include 2 sold-out Yungblud events, with number-one chart-topping album rockers Those Damn Crows and Joyce Manor also appearing in the 1,350 cap space. The Main Room is set to host Everything Everything and a sold-out date with Mac DeMarco with more to be announced across both spaces.

The venue is a well-positioned, large-scale indoor and outdoor events space that has quickly established itself as a vital part of Bristol’s cultural fabric. Its success is driven by AMAAD’s significant investment, strong ties to the city’s creative community, and a clear commitment to sustainability and diverse programming.

The Prospect Building is already a vibrant fixture in the city, since opening its doors on the 28th of September 2024 the venue has hosted a mix of events – from large scale club events, family focused experiences, fashion shows, and community circus events, to art exhibitions, product launches, and performances from local dance groups.

This new partnership will realise AMAAD’s long-standing vision for the venue to become a premier live music destination. A bold new programme will boost both the volume and calibre of touring artists, cementing its place on the national circuit and strengthening its role in Bristol’s cultural landscape.

In close collaboration with AMAAD, Ghostwriter has helped shape the venue’s infrastructure to support high-profile live events. The space features in-house production, L-Acoustics sound systems, top-tier lighting, a full dressing room suite, and expansive backstage facilities. Its dual-room format allows for scalability – promoters can move between Crane and the Main Room depending on ticket demand, ensuring the optimal setting for every show.

Carl Bathgate, Commercial Director at Ghostwriter, said: “We’re immensely proud to partner with a like-minded organisation like AMAAD to bring something truly new to Bristol. Having operated and promoted within the city for over 5 years, we know the 3,000 capacity Main Room fills a crucial gap in the city’s live music provision and Crane offers mid-sized flexibility with an excellent level of production; both spaces are equipped to deliver high-quality live music experiences.”

He continued: “Considering the current economic challenges, we have sought to deliver venues that offer outstanding value and flexibility for shows ranging from 700 to 3,000 capacity. Our aim is to support promoters and artists, offering competitive terms, with only 50% venue ticketing allocation and crucially no merchandise fees across both spaces, making the Main Room one of the largest venues in the UK to do so.

“This approach supports artists by allowing them to generate significantly more revenue at a time when rising costs make touring increasingly challenging. Our collaboration with AMAAD reflects a shared vision to redefine Bristol’s live music scene and create a dynamic cultural hub for both audiences and performers.”

Helen McGee, Ghostwriter’s Head of Venues, added: “We’re thrilled to partner with The Prospect Building, and I’m especially excited to work closely with Paul, Will, and the team. This collaboration between AMAAD and Ghostwriter perfectly aligns our joint commitment to deliver exceptional live music events, and I’m looking forward to seeing what we achieve together.

“Bristol is my adopted city and I’ve been involved in its venues for a long time having managed the Anson Rooms, then launching Carling Academy Bristol (O2 Academy Bristol) later progressing to Divisional Manager for Academy Music Group and working with leading venues across the UK.”

She added: “Utilising my experience to identify what promoters, artists and customers expect from venues at this level we have worked to surpass expectations whilst strengthening the bond between the community and The Prospect Building which AMAAD have worked so hard to form. I’m genuinely excited to be involved in the delivery of the next evolution of my hometown’s live music journey and I hope the residents of Bristol and further afield will be too.”

Paul Jack and Will Harold, AMAAD’s Executive Directors, said: “We are delighted with the progress of The Prospect Building so far and believe that as our first AMAAD owned and operated venue, we are redefining what it means for a venue to truly be part of its community. We endeavour to contribute to the region’s economy by utilising local suppliers when possible, focussing on sustainability and supporting local promoters and community organisations.”

They added: “AMAAD and Ghostwriter are set to position The Prospect Building as a cornerstone of Bristol’s live music landscape – offering a fresh, flexible alternative for artists, agents, and promoters looking to make a mark in one of the UK’s most vibrant cities.

“We are extremely excited to work with Ghostwriter as their professionalism, experience and reputation for delivering high-quality events align perfectly with the values and atmosphere of The Prospect Building. Together, and through a collaborative approach with the wider industry, we look forward to hosting an eclectic programme of events that will enrich Bristol’s vibrant cultural scene.”

Ghostwriter at SXSW London: Spotlight on Industry Connections

Our Commercial Director, Carl, and Head of Venues, Helen attended the inaugural SXSW London this week – an event that has already made headlines with a surprise royal visit.

On Thursday, King Charles made an unexpected appearance at the Shoreditch festival site, where he was welcomed by a moving performance from the Kingdom Choir and greeted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, and SXSW London organisers.

As South by Southwest brings its boundary-pushing platform to the UK for the first time, it’s a prime opportunity to engage with global thought leaders, innovators, and creatives across music, technology, and culture.

Carl and Helen attended keynotes, panels, and showcases. Speaking about her first day at the event, Helen McGee Head of Venues, said: “A strong and inspiring start to SXSW this week…Started with the panel “Putting (You, Me, Bums) Bums on Seats: The Evolution of Innovative Live Performance” – a fascinating session unpacking the common challenges faced across live performance sectors. It’s reassuring to know so many of us are navigating similar issues, though also a reminder of the persistent prejudices still facing music, club, and live event sectors.

“Great to reconnect with Jonathan Harper from Paraorchestra and finally meet Josh Newington from TEG in person. We had a great conversation around venues, bookings, ticketing – and even our time in education, when I briefly taught during COVID and he was one of my cohort.”

She added: “A huge thanks to Creative UK’s Growth Programme for making this possible. Ghostwriter Consultancy & Events joined their 2024 cohort, and their continued support has been instrumental – including access to opportunities like SXSW London If you’re working in the creative industries and considering applying, I highly recommend checking them out. Applications for the next cohort close soon!

“A great first day – looking forward to what the coming days bring.”

As a company that thrives on innovation and collaboration, we’re excited to be in the room for this landmark event and to explore how the SXSW spirit can further energise our mission.

Stay tuned on our socials for updates, insights, and takeaways direct from SXSW London.