LGBTIQ+ List 2026:
Harry Wilding | Festival Republic / Kelham Pride / ILMC

"Grassroots venues help grow the careers of new artists that will one day become our arena fillers and festival headliners"

By IQ | 12 June 2026

[he/him] Freelance events professional, Festival Republic / Kelham Pride / ILMC Sheffield, UK [email protected] www.linkedin.com/in/harry-wilding-19203b148 Wilding started his career working…

part-time at the Cambridge Junction (one of his favourite music venues), alongside a degree in Music Industry Management from the University of Hertfordshire. After graduating, he moved into freelancing and found himself working across a wide range of shows and events, from five festival seasons at Festival Republic to VIP Rep on major…

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LGBTIQ+ LIST 2026:

Kat Winfield

CAA

"It’s not just about representation on paper; it’s about creating an environment where people genuinely feel supported"

Paul Schäfer

Freelance

"Representation matters because it creates role models, opens pathways, and signals to the next generation that there is space"

Bihter Çetinyol

Charmenko

"The industry in Türkiye is small; you can only work for corporations, governmental corporations, municipalities, and private companies"

Jyn Paul

DICE

"Equitable access to tickets remains the biggest challenge the industry faces in keeping fans motivated and artists connected"

Thiago Nakano

30e

"In Brazil, where music is such a strong part of people’s identities, tours can become real cultural moments"

Pol Mitchell

Soft Serve Management

"There’s been a real backslide in lineup diversity in mainstream events, which is a signal of bigger economic and systemic disruption"

Mica Sefia

Black Lives in Music

"As a Black, queer, neurodivergent woman, my identity informs everything I do, whether intentionally or not"

Sandra Schweizer

Gadget Entertainment AG

"Being surrounded by so many people actively shaping the business was genuinely inspiring and gave me a stronger sense of perspective"

Erik Kammerer

Live Nation

"We need to slow down, pause, and identify those who will challenge industry norms while also honouring legacies"

Bruno Sérgio Gomes

30e

"Demand is huge, but production costs, routing, and ticket affordability are putting a lot of pressure on the middle of the market"

Toby Corton

Mighty Hoopla / Sounds Queer / State is Flow

"Pay artists fairly, regulate, and redistribute profits in favour of the people who, without their work, the 'music industry' would just be 'industry'"

Mariano Otero

Fever / DICE

"The ticketing industry is entering a period of increased scrutiny and regulatory change, which is both necessary and overdue"

Mary Allen

UTA

"We’re navigating a significant level of touring oversaturation alongside growing price resistance"

Steve Berry

Stagetruck Ltd

"I do what I do because I want everyone who comes to work with us to feel welcome, included, and part of something they’re proud of"

Shorlette Ammons

Farm Aid

"The same handful of corporations controlling food systems are often shaping culture and access in entertainment, too"

Ethan-James Luke

Legends Global

"The audiences are diverse, the talent is diverse, so the people shaping the industry should reflect that, too"

Małgorzata Staniszewska

Alter Art

"When we prioritise fair treatment, economic security, and a safe, respectful environment, we create an industry where talent can thrive"

Antonia Lines

LIVE Trust

"We're working in collaboration with the live sector to fix long-term problems and create a better future for everyone"

Peter Allott-Fletcher

AEG Presents

"Everything has become more expensive, and often unpredictably so – global events have an almost immediate impact"

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