City showcase event The Great Escape is increasing its focus on the live music industry this year, alongside a 20% growth plan and strengthened international links. The third edition of the event will see an increase in total capacity to 8,000 with a 12% increase in venues around Brighton bringing the total to 30.

Touted as “the leading event in Europe for showcasing new talent from around the world”, the 16-17 May event is specifically inviting Chinese, Japanese and North American delegates, alongside its regular industry attendees from around Europe.

City showcase event The Great Escape is increasing its focus on the live music industry this year, alongside a 20% growth plan and strengthened international links. The third edition of the event will see an increase in total capacity to 8,000 with a 12% increase in venues around Brighton bringing the total to 30.

Touted as “the leading event in Europe for showcasing new talent from around the world”, the 16-17 May event is specifically inviting Chinese, Japanese and North American delegates, alongside its regular industry attendees from around Europe.

“We’re offering discount delegate passes to the smaller, independent promoter sector, and we’re also looking to get grants to help fund people’s trips,” says organiser Jon McIldowie.

This year, alongside the showcase element, The Great Escape’s programme of seminars and keynotes for professionals will feature a dedicated live music day, targeted at the grass roots level of the business.

“Live music is the best source of new talent, so for record labels, publishers and managers, the live plot has become integral to their strategies for their artists,” McIldowie says. “The independent promoters play a huge part in that in terms of placing their artists.”

The live programme will also include a keynote address by Terry McBride of Nettwerk Music Group. The Great Escape’s parent company, MAMA Group, recently paid $6m (€4.1m) as part of a deal that saw it secure a 20% stake in Nettwerk, forming the world’s largest management collective.