SynthFest UK, the largest synthesizer event of its kind in the UK, is returning to the Octagon, Sheffield on Saturday 5 October 2024 between 10:30am and 6:30pm. Over 60 manufacturers are already confirmed to be exhibiting with more still to be announced, and there will be a series of free seminars and product demo workshops running throughout the day.
Exhibitors
Come and get hands-on with all the latest synths and keyboards from Arturia, ASM Hydrasynth, Korg, Nord, PWM, Expressive E, Rhodes, Roland, UDO and Yamaha. Plus desktop and Eurorack modular synths from Analogue Solutions, AJH Synth, Buchla, Dreadbox, Exclusively Analogue, Expert Sleepers, Instruo, Knobula, RYK, Melbourne Instruments and Teenage Engineering, as well as software from Ableton, Cong Burn, Entonal and other developers.
A full list of this year’s exhibitors can be found here. Stay tuned for more to be announced.
Exclusive: Don't miss the UK launch of the new Minimoog book from Bjooks.
Free Seminars - Programme updated
12:00pm - Electronic Music Open Mic (EMOM) Showcase: Live Improvised Performances
Founder and organiser Martin Christie will discuss the background and philosophy of the EMOM movement. This year’s showcase will provide an insight into the diverse range of music making that has been uncovered through these regular gatherings. The four artists taking to the stage for 2024 will include:
- Susan O’Shea, who has been involved as an artist with the EMOM movement since the beginning. Susan also plays as one half of the duo Factory Acts, who are signed to Analogue Trash.
- Andy Cartridge aka Tekkaz, who helps run and host a wonderful Stoke-on-Trent EMOM called Electric Tentacle.
- Cheryl Holland, who has played at recent Manchester and London based EMOM events and performs uplifting electronic/house/pop music with a positive vibe.
- James Glew, who hosts the monthly Derby EMOM at Dubrek Studios. James combines organic rhythms with unique synth melodies to create incredible euphoric sounds.
2:00pm - Soundgas Live Gear Auction
Tony Miln from Soundgas will auction a selection of vintage analogue synths, drum machines and effects live on stage at this 'grab a bargain' event with most lots being offered with no reserve. Some items will be for charity. Win the bid and walk away with the gear on the day!
Auction lots can be viewed on the Soundgas site a week before the event and you can check out the gear on the Soundgas stand at the show. Many items will be at very affordable prices, and there's a few unusual pieces that will interest the keen collector.
3:30pm - Iconic Drum Machines
Oli Freke from Synth Evolution takes us on a guided tour of some of the most iconic drum machines that shaped music in our time. He'll be joined on stage by Michael Eden who will demonstrate some of the drum machines in his collection.
5:00pm - DivKid presents 'Patch From Scratch'
Join Ben Wilson "DivKid" in this seminar as he takes us through a basic modular synthesizer voice and shows how to expand it by patching in new layers from the existing modules and articulating them with new rhythms. He will demonstrate a range of techniques such as the use of sub-octaves, divided rhythms, AM and ring modulation, wave-shaping, panning and mixed modulation sources.
SOS reserves the right to change the content and times. Please check the website for the latest information.
The SynthFest UK Shop will be packed with our 2024 merchandise featuring this year's limited-edition mug and T-shirt.
Tickets On Sale Now
- Advance Ticket (1 Sept – 4th Oct): £17.99
- Walk-up Ticket on the day: £25.00
Free Tote Bag for all Adult ticket holders while stocks last.
Tickets can be purchased here.
SynthFest UK has been created by Sound On Sound magazine, in partnership with Sensoria Festival.
