SCOTLAND’S only annual music-business convention, Wide Days, has announced that it will return to Edinburgh on April 22-23. The convention will feature a variety of artist showcases, Ted-style lectures and networking activities over the course of the two days.

The showcase programme – which will be held at the Pleasance venue on the convention’s first day – will focus on a small number of up-and-coming acts.

In previous years, acts such as PAWS, Garden of Elks and Honeyblood have been signed as a result of appearing at Wide Days, while many other acts have been booked for festivals, shows and radio sessions. This year’s event featured performances from SAY Award winner Kathryn Joseph and Mercury Music Prize Nominee C Duncan.

“This year’s Wide Days was the most successful since we launched in 2010, with record attendances for the conference, the showcases and the special networking activities,” says founder Olaf Furniss, who added that the event provided a great environment for professionals and emerging talent to connect.

Early-bird passes are available at £65, rising to £80 after January 15. There are also a limited number of one-day passes available for students, emerging musicians and individuals starting out in the business for £25.

Applications to play at Wide Days close at the end of the month.