This multidisciplinary conference aims to examine the evolution, context and continuing impact of the grunge movement.

Grunge Included 2026

York St John University, York, UK | September 7, 2026

"Come as You Are"

Created by Kristīne and Sintija Brence, Grunge Included is a multidisciplinary international conference exploring the evolution, cultural context and enduring impact of the grunge movement. Bringing together academics and researchers from Poland, Latvia, the United States and across the UK, the conference examines grunge as more than a musical genre, exploring its influence on politics, culture, society, identity, design, fashion, art and alternative music.

A special guest at Grunge Included 2026 is Gordon Raphael, the legendary record producer and musician best known for his work with The Strokes. Raphael has also worked with influential artists including Green River, connecting his career directly to the wider history of Seattle's alternative music scene. As grunge developed from its roots in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest into an international cultural movement, Raphael was also active within Seattle's music community. His bands Mental Mannequin, Colour Twigs and Sky Cries Mary became important parts of the Seattle and Pacific Northwest music scene, contributing to the rich musical culture from which grunge emerged.

Through research, discussion and live conversation, Grunge Included explores how grunge developed, why it became such a powerful cultural movement and why its influence continues to shape music and popular culture today.

If you have any questions about the event, please contact grungeincluded@gmail.com

Stay Connected:

Substack Newsletter: https://grungeincluded.substack.com

Website: www.grungeincluded.com

Hashtag: #GrungeIncluded2026

Programme: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1p6tviATTfG8RBcmPC94loIjpRgjzbxNK/view?usp=sharing

Grunge never died. It evolved. Let’s talk about it.

Events Access & Inclusivity

At York St John University we are committed to making our events as welcoming and inclusive for as many people as possible.

If you are planning to attend one of our events and have specific access requirements, including wheelchair access, then please contact us by e: events@yorksj.ac.uk or t: 01904 876318 and we will make every effort to accommodate you.

If you need a suitable seat reserved for you (and your companions), please let us know, preferably at least one week before the event. Sign language interpreters and real-time captioning may be requested in advance. Please contact us as soon as possible (ideally at least 3 weeks before the date of the event) if you require either BSL interpretation or captioning. We will try our best but cannot guarantee provision.

Freedom of speech within the law and academic freedom are core principles of our University and underpin our mission to foster intellectual curiosity, rigorous debate, and the pursuit of knowledge. Our staff / students / SU colleagues are entitled to express their ideas and views, providing they do not violate the law. The law rightly prohibits speech that incites violence, terrorism and hate, but does not prohibit speech that others may find upsetting or offensive.

As a University that embodies social justice, we expect people to treat each other with dignity and respect, but it is not our role to censor ways of thinking or stifle debate between those who hold opposing views.

We understand that it can be frustrating to face views and perspectives that do not reflect our inclusive ethos at York St John University. However, we will not take disciplinary action against staff or students for lawful expression of their views, regardless of petitions, media campaigns or other external pressures.

Parking

There is no parking for any vehicles on site and ANPR cameras are in operation 24/7.

We have a small number of Blue Badge spaces available, these spaces can only be used if guests have pre registered their number plates by emailing events@yorksj.ac.uk.

Registering your details does not guarantee a space, as they operate on a first come, first served basis. Please ensure your blude badge is displayed clearly in the vehicle.

Privacy Policy

York St John University will use the data you submit in Eventbrite for the purposes of administering this event. York St John University utilises third party software for data storage, tracking and analysis activity but your details will not be used by any of these third parties in order to contact you Any data you share with us will be used to help us improve your event experience and for event tracking and analysis activity within the University.

We will only send you important information and reminders related to the event you have booked unless you tell us otherwise. During the booking process, if you opt-in to receive emails about the latest events hosted and supported by York St John University, you consent to York St John University contacting you with relevant information.

If y

Description supplied by the event organiser.