Extending the momentum of IWD beyond a single day and building on the success of the London edition, Equalise arrives in Manchester this April - bringing its immersive recording workshops to a new generation of female and non-binary artists, producers, engineers and creatives across the North.

Abbey Road Equalise is designed to equip emerging talent with the skills, knowledge and support needed to succeed, while creating meaningful opportunities to learn directly from industry professionals.

As part of this continued commitment, Equalise expands beyond London for the first time - opening access to world-class studio experiences in Manchester.

Hosted at the adidas Originals Recording Studio, engineered by Abbey Road, the programme will deliver three days of hands-on recording workshops this April.

Each day, a new group of aspiring creatives will step inside a working studio environment - observing, contributing and collaborating in real-time sessions alongside some of the most exciting artists of 2026.

Led by Abbey Road’s female engineering team, participants will gain insight into:

- Studio workflow and etiquette
- Microphone techniques and gear choices
- Recording, production and mixing processes
- The realities of working in a professional session

Since its launch, Equalise has been driven by a clear mission: to address the imbalance in the music industry, where female and gender-diverse individuals remain significantly underrepresented.

For the last six years, Abbey Road has delivered events and initiatives to coincide with International Women’s Day, Pride and Trans Day of Visibility, highlighting artist and production career paths through themes of music production, composition, songwriting, innovation, technology and beyond.

Bringing the programme to Manchester builds on that mission - transforming IWD from a moment into ongoing, tangible opportunity.

Through Equalise, Abbey Road continues to:

- Support regional talent and scenes
- Create visible pathways into the industry
- Empower the next generation through real-world experience

Participants won’t just observe, they’ll actively contribute to new music, build networks and gain the confidence to take their next steps in the industry.

Developed in partnership with EMI North, the Manchester line-up showcases a bold selection of Northern artists shaping contemporary pop and alternative music.

From Glasgow’s Walt Disco (7 April), whose emotionally rich electronic rock blends powerful band dynamics with immersive, deeply personal songwriting, to Lucky Iris (8 April), the Leeds-based duo crafting sharp, hyperpop-infused hooks, and North East artist Loren Heat (9 April), whose unapologetic pop explores identity, vulnerability and self-expression.

This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to championing regional talent and creating platforms for artists building momentum beyond London, while celebrating the breadth and originality of music emerging across the North.

Abbey Road Equalise 2026 is free to attend via ballot.

- Applications close Monday 30 March at 23:59
- Successful applicants will be notified on Tuesday 31 March
- Please note: travel and accommodation are not covered

Applicants can sign up here

The official event page can be found here.

More information about the work we've done in this space can be found here.