Liverpool has been announced as the host city for the eighth annual Creative Cities Convention (CCC), which will take place on 6–7 May 2026, bringing the UK’s leading screen-sector conference to one of its most vibrant creative hubs.
The only national event dedicated to film, TV and digital content creators working outside London, CCC moves to a different UK city each year. It regularly attracts hundreds of industry professionals eager to hear insights from top broadcasters, producers and creative leaders.
For 2026, the convention will take over Camp and Furnace, one of Liverpool’s best-loved event spaces, set in the heart of the Baltic Triangle, an area recognised for its flourishing community of studios, production companies and digital innovators.
Although based in Liverpool, the programme will celebrate the creative strengths of the wider North West, highlighting the region’s world-class TV and film production, as well as its growing digital, gaming and immersive media sectors.
The theme for 2026, “Where TV Meets Digital,” will explore how traditional storytelling is merging with emerging technologies to shape the future of the UK’s screen industries. Delegates can expect discussions on artificial intelligence, new production techniques, and cross-platform content.
The convention will open with a welcome from Tony Hall, Lord Hall of Birkenhead CBE — former BBC Director-General and Deputy Chair of Channel 4. BAFTA-winning journalist and filmmaker Mobeen Azhar will also return as host following his successful appearance in 2025.
New additions to the CCC team include Sol Papadopoulos, founder of Liverpool’s Hurricane Films, who joins as Executive Producer, and Nina Harrison-Bell, who steps into the role of Head of Partnerships.
Last year’s convention in Bradford — timed with the city’s UK City of Culture celebrations — achieved record attendance and introduced a new Skills Summit, alongside public screenings, commissioner meetings and a packed YouTube Creators Collective networking event.
Headline speakers included outgoing BBC Director-General Tim Davie, YouTube UK MD Alison Lomax, cast members from Hollyoaks and Coronation Street, and the team behind global hit Adolescence and the acclaimed drama Reunion. The Skills Summit will return for the Liverpool edition in 2026.
Natalie Wyatt – Managing Director Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership said:
‘‘We are delighted that Creative Cities Convention has chosen Liverpool as the host city in 2026. Liverpool will extend its warmest welcome to delegates, and they will no doubt feel at home here in a city that is synonymous for creative talent where innovative industries flourish especially within the arts and media sectors. Not only will it showcase why Liverpool City Region is a fantastic place to visit, it will be the leading meeting place for creative people making or distributing network screen content outside London.’’
Lisa Campbell, Executive Director of the Creative Cities Convention, said:
“Liverpool’s creative spirit is legendary, and the North West is one of the UK’s most exciting regions for screen production and digital innovation. With its thriving TV, film and gaming communities, it’s the perfect place to explore how television meets new forms of storytelling. The city’s talent and energy will make 2026 a landmark year for the Creative Cities Convention.”
Founded in 2018 by media executive Ruth Pitt and John McVay (PACT), the CCC is led by Executive Director Lisa Campbell, Director of Operations, Susie Townson, Executive Producer Sol Papadopoulos, Head of Partnerships Nina Harrison-Bell and Advisory Chair Ruth Pitt.
It is backed by BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Paramount and PACT.
Previous host cities include Leeds, Cardiff, Glasgow, Birmingham, Newcastle, Bristol and Bradford.
Further info on speakers and programme details for CCC 2026 will be announced soon.
READ MORE: New Mathew Street mural celebrates 100 Liverpool artists
