Whether you’re looking for some professional inspiration or are hungry for knowledge, Up North promises a day of insights and positive energy.
Up North Festival is back for 2025, and this time it’s bigger, bolder and completely sold out. Taking place on Thursday 19th June 2025 at Manchester’s Victoria Warehouse, the one-day marketing festival will bring together over 400 marketers, more than 30 speakers and some of the most exciting voices in the industry for a full day of inspiration, insight and unmissable networking.
Get ready to be inspired
Prepare to arrive open minded and leave ready to turbo-charge your own marketing strategies, because this year’s event promises to be full of insights. Hosted by digital agency Connective3, Up North has fast-become one of the biggest dates in the calendar for ambitious marketers, and 2025’s lineup is the best yet.
Over 30 speakers will share their wisdom across two stages, covering everything from performance marketing to creative disruption. You’ll hear from global brands, bold startups and rule-breaking founders as they share their stories, delivering inspiration by the bucketload.
Gain insights from some of the industry’s biggest names
So, who’s on that all-important line-up? The main headliner is Stef Sword-Williams, TEDx speaker and founder of F*ck Being Humble. She’ll be sharing her empowering message on how to leave a legacy by showing up bravely and unapologetically in your career. There’s no shame in self-promotion and the hour-long session will leave you wanting to take action for all the right reasons.
Another huge name is Thursday’s George Rawlings, who’ll share his story about how he built a rebellious dating brand that broke the mould – and the internet. Throw in names from the likes of TikTok, Expedia, Google and The Sidemen, and you’ve got yourself one of the finest lineup’s we’ve seen at a festival since Glastonbury 2019.
Rub shoulders with your peers in an iconic setting
It’s more than just a day of talks – Up North Festival is about community. It’s where ideas are sparked, partnerships are born and careers are re-energised. From hands-on advice to off-the-cuff inspiration, each session is designed to leave you with something you can take back to your team, your campaigns or even just your own ambitions.
There’ll also be plenty of opportunities to network with your fellow marketers, along with complimentary tea, coffee and pastries courtesy of SEO giants Ahrefs. And it wouldn’t be a marketing festival without an after-party, so stick around after 5pm for two hours of post-event drinks, sponsored by Print.com.
Keep up to date with everything Up North
While this year’s festival is sold out, it’s not too late to get involved. Join the waitlist for a chance to secure a ticket, and be the first to hear about next year’s event.
