The UK’s music and technology sectors are set for a significant boost with the launch of CRE8, a new flagship event designed to bridge the worlds of professional audio, DJ culture, and music production. This initiative, a collaboration between PLASA, The Headliner Group, and Tileyard, aims to put Wakefield and the wider northern music scene on the national stage. Scheduled for 7 March 2026 at Tileyard North, CRE8 will bring together internationally renowned DJs, artists, and producers for a day of performances, educational panels, and hands-on experiences with the latest equipment from leading brands.
Peter Heath, PLASA managing director, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We’re thrilled to be partnering with the Headliner Group and Tileyard North to launch an event that truly bridges the worlds of professional audio, DJ culture, and music production. PLASA has always been about connecting people, technology, and creativity – and this collaboration allows us to engage directly with the next generation of talent shaping the industry. Together, we’re creating a space where aspiring DJs and producers can learn, connect, and discover the tools and insights they need to build sustainable, successful careers.”
Nick Keynes, co-founder of Tileyard, highlighted the event’s role in nurturing emerging talent. “CRE8 embraces everything that Tileyard stands for in terms of nurturing and supporting emerging talent, and it’s particularly exciting that this event will launch from our Tileyard North campus.”
Rian Zoll-Khan, COO of the Headliner Group, emphasized the event’s potential to further careers in DJing and music production. “The UK has famously been known as an exporter of electronic music for many years. Some of the world’s biggest DJs and music producers started here and contribute to the mammoth global business of Dance music. CRE8 is an opportunity to gather together an audience who want to further their careers as a DJ or music producer.”
CRE8 will offer an immersive experience, including dedicated spaces for wellness and education, reflecting its commitment to supporting creatives both on and off the stage. Gary Spittle, CEO at Sonical, expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, “We’re passionate about connecting artists with the very latest in audio innovation. Partnering with this event was an easy decision for us. The UK has been waiting for a DJ-focused showcase of this calibre, and we’re proud to help set a new standard for what’s possible in live music culture.”
Confirmed performers and participants include DJ and producer TeeDee, who will perform live before joining Omar Khan, founder of Hyperactive World, for an on-stage conversation about building a successful label and the evolution of the Bassline and house scene in Yorkshire. Singer Ace Clvrk will also perform and take part in a masterclass in vocal production led by producer Mulally, all streamed globally via TikTok LIVE.
Central to CRE8 is Behind the Beat, a four-part educational series broadcast on TikTok LIVE. This programme will unpack the core stages of music creation, including beatmaking, vocal production, and track breakdowns, with open Q&As with leading producers and DJs taking place throughout the day.
With the Headliner Group and TikTok LIVE’s recent collaboration showcasing emerging music talent at Pub in the Park drawing 6 million impressions and 72,000 live viewers across three days, Headliner aims to build on this success, ensuring that CRE8’s annual event becomes the backdrop for a global conversation around the future of DJing and music production.
Attendees will receive exclusive goodie bags loaded with free plugins, how-to guides, and offers, and students will benefit from discounted tickets. CRE8 also supports Restore The Music (RTM), a charity resourcing music departments in schools where more than 50% of pupils receive free school meals, ensuring that CRE8 delivers genuine community benefit as well as industry inspiration.
Rian Zoll-Khan of the Headliner Group stated, “CRE8 will educate, inform and power the heart of the UK’s DJ and music production community with our partners in professional audio, tech innovation and the music business leading the way.”
Nick Keynes added, “Tileyard is all about community and connecting people, and as a result of these connections, the magic happens, so we very much hope that this is the first of many future collaborations.”
This news could significantly shape the development of the music and technology sectors by fostering a stronger connection between industry professionals and emerging talent. The event’s focus on education, wellness, and community engagement sets a new standard for industry events, potentially inspiring similar initiatives worldwide. By showcasing the latest technology and providing direct access to industry experts, CRE8 aims to empower the next generation of DJs and producers, driving innovation and growth in the sector.
