Mel C joins The Great Escape Festival in Brighton (May 13-16) as keynote speaker, reflecting on her 30-year music career from Spice Girls to global DJ.
- February 25, 2026
AceShowbiz - Mel C has been confirmed as a keynote speaker for this year's The Great Escape Festival in Brighton, marking a significant addition to the event's speaker lineup.
The renowned festival for new music returns to Brighton's South Coast from May 13 to 16 this year, promising four nights of emerging talent across venues throughout the city. Beyond the musical performances, the festival will host several high-profile keynote presentations.
The former Spice Girl will deliver a reflective presentation covering her extensive three-decade journey in the music industry. Her talk will span from her days of pop superstardom during the 1990s through her solo career development and her current endeavors as a touring DJ around the world.
Joining Mel C in the speaker lineup is Ian Murrap MP, a minister from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. His presentation will focus on the UK's creative industries, covering topics including touring, broadcasting, and the night-time economy's current landscape.
Additional programming will feature discussions on independence, AI and the future of music, with Molly Neuman, president of CD Baby, participating. The Council of Music Makers will also address contemporary challenges facing artists in today's industry.
The festival has announced new collaborations with War Child and Rough Trade for their 2026 programme. These partnerships join existing relationships with BBC Introducing, AIM, and Youth Music.
Peaches has already been confirmed as the headliner for this year's spotlight show. The musical lineup has expanded significantly, with over 130 names added, including The Lottery Winners, Villanelle, and BIG WETT.
New Zealand has been designated as The Great Escape's Lead Country Partner for 2026. Artists from New Zealand scheduled to perform include indie rock trio Office Dog, 1960s-inspired singer Hemi Hemingway, rising star Jude Kelly, and alternative artist Ratbag.
The 2025 edition featured English Teacher leading the lineup alongside Skunk Anansie, Maruja, and The Molotovs. That year's spotlight show was headlined by Pete Doherty and Warmduscher.
Recently, Mel C has been generating buzz about a potential Spice Girls reunion tour, expressing optimism about touring to coincide with the group's three-decade milestone in 2026. I'm always game, always, she stated.
In January discussions, she suggested Victoria Beckham could participate in the comeback, noting Beckham needs to have that experience after missing the 2019 tour. The group surprised fans in 2024 with a performance of 'Stop' at Beckham's 50th birthday celebration.
