Oasis’ management and label teams have co-signed a unique networking opportunity as part of Beyond The Music’s Inspire program in Manchester.

The Beyond The Band event, to be held on Oct. 2 at the city’s Co-op Live, will give hopeful professionals aged 16-25 an opportunity to gain insights from local industry leaders and politicians on panels and conversations, and a speed networking event.

Beyond The Music was first held in 2023 and co-founded by Sarah Pearson, Rose Marley and Oli Wilson, son of local legend Tony Wilson (co-founder of Factory Records). The conference hosts an array of live performances and industry panels with a goal to promote and champion the local Manchester scene. The Inspire program focuses on generating opportunities for rising professionals looking to get into the industry.

This year’s Beyond the Band event has been co-signed by Ignition Records, Oasis’ longtime management and record company; the Co-op Live arena; Abbey Road Studios; Adidas Originals; Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester; and Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council. Marcus Russell and Claire Byrne of Ignition will attend the event, as will the management team of local rapper Aitch – who boasts twenty top 10 singles on the U.K. charts – as well as representatives of SJM Concerts, Heavenly Records and more.

Speaking to Billboard U.K. Wilson and Marley wanted to capitalize on a spectacular summer of music in Manchester. In July, Oasis performed five homecoming gigs at the city’s Heaton Park, and concerts have also been held by Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Fontaines D.C., Sam Fender and more.

Marley says that the city has been “bouncing” as a result, and that events and focus on music is part of a longterm commitment from council leaders and politicians to the scene’s heritage and their potential future. Over £250,000 of the proceeds from Oasis’ Heaton Park shows were invested into the grassroots scene in the city. 

Those mammoth Oasis shows, Wilson says, gave the city so much hope that working class musicians can make a viable career and should feel inspired by the Gallagher brothers’ journey. “It showed why the government needs to take music much more seriously as a career prospect for young people.”

The event is the latest step in Manchester’s driven campaign to be known as the music capital of the world. Civic leaders like Burnham and Craig are leading the charge, and in 2025 The BRITs will be held outside of London for the first time at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena.

“Greater Manchester has always led the way when it comes to music — from venues and festivals to the artists who’ve made their mark across the world,” Burnham tells Billboard U.K. “Our future depends on inspiring the next generation and making sure they have the access and opportunities to take it even further. Beyond The Band is about opening those doors and giving young people the chance to carry our story forward.”

Marley says that she hopes the event will embolden young people who have struggled to find consistent work, and lost key socializing years of their youth to COVID lockdowns. The “gig economy” — which involves holding multiple jobs and employers at any one time — can be a viable career, she adds. “These are formidable careers that can earn a good income, but might not be ‘a job’ like they’re expecting it to be.”

Attendees aged 16-25 can apply for access here. Marley says the event is a great opportunity to hustle and get valuable face-to-face time with industry “movers and shakers” and build confidence. She adds, “Our advice would be that we can open the door, but you need to step into it.”