MAD//North, the Northern edition of flagship marketing festival MAD//Fest, returns to Manchester this February with another standout line-up of speakers.
Taking place at Factory International’s Aviva Studios from 25 to 26 February, the two-day festival is set to welcome more than 6,000 senior marketers, agencies, publishers, content creators and tech platforms, celebrating the North’s growing influence as a creative powerhouse for a second year running.
And this year’s theme for MAD//North, ‘Northern Soul’, is designed to do just that, celebrating the region’s long-standing reputation for doing things differently and its ability to produce ‘bold, unconventional work’ with global impact.
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With the likes of Gary Neville, comedian Lucy Beaumont and AO World’s John Roberts taking to the stage last year, this year promises more of the same, with comedian Maisie Adam among the headline speakers.
She’ll be joining the likes of Jonathan Warburton, chairman of Warburtons; Eleanor Barker, CMO UK&I at PG Tips; broadcaster and former Lioness Jill Scott MBE and plenty more global marketing leaders and disruptors set to share their insights into building brands that stand out, stay relevant and shape the future.
Across the festival, senior industry figures will also reveal how the world’s leading brands are investing, innovating and future-proofing, alongside case studies from start-ups, agencies and platforms redefining the marketing landscape.
“Northern Soul is about more than a music genre — it’s a mindset,” said Dan Brain, co-founder of MAD//Fest and MAD//North.
“The North has always danced to the beat of its own drum, producing ideas, innovation and creativity that inspire audiences worldwide. With MAD//North 2026, we want to celebrate that independent spirit while creating a platform for the industry’s brightest minds to shape what comes next.”
A festival atmosphere and what to expect
MAD//North describes itself as “a vibrant, funky festival packed with content, community and connections.” Unlike conventional conferences, the event features multiple stages, immersive experiences, and networking opportunities designed to spark collaboration.
Festival-goers will be able to access headline keynotes, innovation showcases, and sessions exploring topics from AI-powered storytelling and sport marketing to creative disruption and consumer culture.
Find out more, including how to get tickets, here. Prolific North is a media partner for MAD//North, so you’ll catch some of our team there too across both days. Make sure you come and say hi!
