LMA brings major creative industry names to the North East including Bloodhound Gang drummer

From West End stars and globally touring musicians to leading music managers and screen industry powerhouses, some of the UK’s biggest creative names are heading to Newcastle this week as LMA continues building excitement around its soon to launch North East campus.

Taking place at Tyneside Cinema on Thursday 21 May, LMA’s Industry Insight Event will bring together a heavyweight panel spanning music, television, dance, theatre and film for an evening focused on careers, creativity and the future of the North East’s booming creative sector.

The event on Thursday forms part of a wider series of free workshops, industry talks and creative events taking place across Newcastle in the run up to LMA officially opening its doors in September.

Following the hugely positive reaction to the announcement of LMA Newcastle earlier this year, the institution is now accelerating its presence in the city with a programme designed to directly connect young people with the industries they want to work in.

The panel includes North East-born West End performer Erin Caldwell, whose credits include Six, Heathers and Pretty Woman; North East Screen chief executive Alison Gwynn; Bloodhound Gang drummer Adam Perry; Travis guitarist Andy Dunlop; and internationally acclaimed dancer and choreographer Robyn Rae Laud, who is currently performing with Dua Lipa.

Together, they represent decades of experience across some of the world’s biggest stages, tours, productions and creative businesses.

Set to open in September 2026, LMA Newcastle will become the institution’s latest UK campus alongside existing bases in Liverpool and London. Known for its industry-led approach to creative education, LMA specialises in music, performance, film, media and digital creative disciplines, with students regularly collaborating on live projects, productions and major industry partnerships across the UK creative sector.

The move into Newcastle marks a major expansion for the institution and reflects growing national confidence in the North East’s creative industries, talent pipeline and cultural future.

Deni Chambers, Principal of LMA Newcastle, said: “The response from Newcastle and the wider North East since announcing LMA has honestly been incredible. There’s a real appetite here for an institution that genuinely connects education with industry and gives young people direct access to opportunity.”

Deni continued: “This event is about opening doors and making the creative industries feel tangible and achievable. We want young people to hear directly from people who’ve built careers at the very top of music, performance, television and film and realise those pathways are possible for them too.”

The event also reflects the growing national attention currently surrounding Newcastle’s cultural and creative industries, with increasing investment into music, screen production and live performance across the region.

Bloodhound Gang drummer Adam Perry added: “The North East is becoming one of the UK’s most exciting creative regions and developing local talent is absolutely vital to sustaining that growth. Events like this are hugely important because they help young people see the opportunities available right here on their doorstep.”

Set to open in September 2026, LMA Newcastle will offer undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes across music, performance, media, film and digital creative disciplines, with a strong focus on industry-led learning and hands-on experience.

The institution already operates campuses in Liverpool and London and has developed partnerships across major creative platforms including music festivals, live events and television production.

Thursday’s event is expected to attract prospective students, parents, educators and young creatives from across the North East as anticipation around the Newcastle campus continues to grow.

Additional free workshops, talks and industry events will be announced over the coming months ahead of the official campus opening in September.