Alongside the awards ceremony, the UK Festival Awards team will host the Festival Focus conference in 2026. This is a daytime event that will feature industry panels, engrossing talks and state of the industry discussions. It will be a hub for the festival industry, allowing for positive networking opportunities and acts as a space for discussion and insight for the festival community.

Festival Focus will delve into all the trends, changes and challenges of the 2026 season and beyond. We’ll be learning from seasoned veterans and newcomers alike, delving into the ups and downs of running a festival and looking forward to how the industry is evolving. If it’s about festivals, it’ll all be discussed at Festival Focus.