Manchester hearing health experts to conduct research at UK’s first Safe Listening festival
Manchester researchers will be involved in implementing global standards and conducting research as part of the UK’s first Safe Listening festival, placing hearing health and audience wellbeing at the heart of the live music experience.
ArcTanGent festival is taking place from Wednesday 19 to Saturday 22 August 2026 near Bristol, UK, with a line-up of more than 100 acts in genres such as experimental rock, metal, hardcore and electronic music.
More than 1 billion young people globally are at risk of hearing loss due to sound exposure in recreational settings, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Researchers from the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre: Manchester’s Hearing Health Theme will be at the festival, involved in implementing the WHO’s Global Standard for Safe Listening Venues and Events.
The Standard comprises 6 features which, when implemented, allow audience members to enjoy amplified music with protection of their hearing, while also preserving the integrity of the artistic experience.
Dr Sam Couth (pictured), Lecturer in Hearing Health at The University of Manchester and researcher in the Hearing Health Theme at the NIHR BRC: Manchester, said: “Safe listening is not about reducing the enjoyment or impact of live music. It is about giving people the knowledge and tools to protect their hearing while continuing to enjoy music safely throughout their lives. By increasing awareness of hearing protection for staff, artists, and audiences, ArcTanGent is taking a truly whole-community approach to hearing health.”
The initiative was developed in partnership with The University of Manchester, University of Nottingham, and University of Derby, supported by industry partner ACS Custom and charity partner Metal for Good.
Researchers from these Universities will also conduct on-site safe listening research throughout the event, gathering valuable feedback from audiences and stakeholders to better understand listening behaviours, hearing health awareness, and the overall festival sound experience.
The findings will contribute to ongoing research and help inform future best practice across the live events industry.
The NIHR BRC: Manchester’s Hearing Health Theme studies hearing loss in the context of broader health, societal, and environmental factors to ensure effective prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
The Theme’s priorities closely align with this initiative, to reduce the risk of hearing damage, such as through sound level management, training, access to hearing protection, and increasing awareness of the risks associated with noise exposure at live events.
Goc O’Callaghan, Co-Founder and Director of ArcTanGent said: “Great sound and safe listening can go hand in hand, and at ArcTanGent, this is what we want to achieve. By becoming the UK’s first Safe Listening festival, this reflects our commitment to innovation, audience wellbeing, and responsible event management without diluting any of the full immersion in a sound-based experience. We want to demonstrate that festivals can deliver exceptional live music experiences while actively supporting hearing health.”
The collaboration between leading universities, industry partners, and festival organisers represents a significant step forward for the live events sector, demonstrating how research, education, technology, and practical implementation can work together to create safer listening environments.