On Thursday 25th September, Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter will once again be transformed into the beating heart of Ireland’s music industry. Output Belfast, the country’s largest one-day music conference, is set to return for 2025 with its boldest, most wide-reaching programme to date. As ever, it remains entirely free to attend.

Now a firm fixture on the international conference calendar, Output continues to stand apart for its combination of grassroots access and heavyweight insight. Designed to arm NI’s music community with practical tools, connections and creative vision, the event will host over 25 sessions across venues in the city centre, all curated to reflect the real-world needs of artists, producers, managers, composers and industry workers navigating a rapidly shifting landscape.

This year’s opening keynote sets the tone, bringing together three of the most influential figures in UK music policy and advocacy: Crispin Hunt, Chair of PRS for Music; Naomi Pohl, General Secretary of the Musicians’ Union; and Tom Gray, Chair of the Ivors Academy and Mercury Prize-winning artist turned rights campaigner. Their presence signals Output’s growing status as a critical forum for debate, action, and long-overdue structural change.

Speaking ahead of the event, Gray said: “I’m thrilled to be coming to Belfast ‘cos I bloody love the place. The city breathes with music and activism – just like me. Music is under threat and there’s a lot to talk about.” His comments echo Output’s broader mission: to break down industry barriers, push back against exploitation, and empower creators on their own terms.

Alongside the keynotes, the day will feature 28 talks and workshops that span everything from music production and sync to styling, streaming, sustainability, and international strategy. Whether you’re navigating touring on a shoestring, learning how to pitch to national radio, or exploring the future of composing for games and film, Output offers insight at every stage of the journey.

Then, as day turns to night, the conference gives way to its multi-venue evening showcase – a celebration of Irish musical talent hosted by leading local labels, collectives, platforms and promoters. With The Thin Air, Chordblossom, IMRO, SHINE, Girls With Guts and many others on hosting duties, the after-hours event continues to be a proving ground for Ireland’s most exciting new acts.

Backed by Belfast City Council and part of the city’s designation as a UNESCO City of Music, Output is more than just a music conference — it’s a show of intent. At a time when creative communities are facing mounting challenges, the event signals Northern Ireland’s determination to invest in talent, foster sustainability, and build a future-facing industry on its own terms.

Registration opens on Tuesday 6th August via outputbelfast.com, with the full schedule revealed the same day. A closing keynote announcement will follow in early September.