The Audio Academy Festival 2026 will bring together industry professionals from across radio, podcasting and audio storytelling for a one-day celebration of UK audio on the global stage, taking place Oct. 1 at The Royal College of Physicians in London.
The festival, organized by The Radio Academy, will feature programming across four stages with talks, panels and immersive audio experiences designed to explore international co-productions, creative partnerships and the UK talent making an impact worldwide. According to event organizers, the festival serves as a platform where “audio comes first,” offering attendees direct access to commissioners and decision-makers alongside networking opportunities with industry colleagues and emerging talent.
The event will run from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. BST at the Royal College of Physicians in Regent’s Park. Festival passes include access to all programming, one-to-one pitching opportunities with commissioners, networking sessions and insights from industry leaders shaping the future of global audio. Organizers said attendees will gain practical advice on international growth, production partnerships and hear firsthand accounts from audio leaders who have achieved international success.
The festival is positioned as a key event on the UK audio calendar, according to organizers, welcoming both established industry professionals and those beginning their careers in audio. Programming will explore the opportunities and challenges of taking content to global audiences and examine the growing influence of audio in a rapidly changing media landscape.
Ticket pricing varies by category. Member tickets are available for £199 plus VAT, while non-member tickets are priced at £220 plus VAT and include a £10 discount on membership for those who join by the end of October. A Freelancer Early Bird ticket priced at £159 plus VAT is available for independent freelancers and micro-businesses who book before the end of June. Concessionary tickets at £83 plus VAT are offered for people on low incomes, defined as living wage or below. The Radio Academy is also offering free tickets and travel support through its Bursary Scheme, which organizers said will open soon. All discounted tickets are limited and targeted at individuals, with organizers requesting that company-funded attendees purchase standard tickets. The event is restricted to attendees 18 years of age and older.
More details about one-to-one pitching opportunities with commissioners will be shared with ticket holders in advance of the festival, according to organizers. The Radio Academy Festival has established itself as a major gathering for audio professionals seeking to understand global market trends and forge industry connections.
