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Designer of the 2026 BRIT Award trophy announced
Sony Music UK is excited to announce that Matthew Williamson, the internationally renowned British designer born in Manchester, has been chosen as the creative visionary behind the 2026 BRIT Award trophy. This year’s trophy, inspired by Manchester’s iconic worker bee symbol, features amber-toned resin crafted to resemble golden honey atop a globe. The design pays homage to the city’s industrious spirit while celebrating the global influence of British music.
In a landmark move, the BRIT Awards will be hosted in Manchester for the very first time, taking place at Co-op Live on Saturday, 28th February 2026. This marks an exciting new chapter for the ceremony, placing Manchester’s rich creativity and culture at the centre of the festivities.
The BRIT trophy design project was led by Matthew Williamson, together with Stacey Tang, BRIT Awards Committee Chair and Co-President of RCA, and Glyn Aikins, Co-President of RCA.
A trophy rooted in Manchester’s spirit
Stacey Tang, Chair of the 2026 BRIT Awards Committee and Co-President of RCA Records at Sony Music UK, said: “The BRITs’ move to Manchester has enabled us to think about how we do things in such a brilliant and different way so I am delighted that Matthew accepted the invitation to design the award for next year’s show. As a creative from Manchester, he’s brought a unique perspective to the design process, developing a simple, sophisticated and striking concept that embodies the spirit and values of the city and is also a visual statement for the show, supporting our ambition to put British music on the global stage. We couldn’t be more pleased with what Matthew has created, and to have him be part of such a historic show in BRITs history.”
Reflecting on the opportunity, Matthew Williamson said: “Following in the footsteps of great designers and artists before me, it’s an honour and a career highlight to design the 2026 BRITs trophy. The BRITs is an event I’ve watched since childhood, and I’m still so immersed in it to this day. I’ve always looked at it in awe and wonder, so to even be offered this opportunity feels like a real milestone moment.”
Glyn Aikins, Co-President of RCA Records at Sony Music UK, said: “I’m thrilled to welcome Matthew Williamson as the designer of the 2026 BRIT Award trophy. Matthew’s bold, expressive creativity has shaped British fashion for over two decades, and his work has always stood at the intersection of art, style and cultural imagination. His vision for this year’s trophy draws inspiration from the iconic worker bee, a powerful symbol of Manchester’s resilience, community and creative spirit. The result brings a new sense of colour, optimism and individuality to the BRITs, perfectly capturing the energy of British music today. I couldn’t be more excited to unveil his design to artists, fans and the wider creative community.”
Sony Music UK is proud to celebrate this milestone in Manchester, honouring the city’s legacy and the worldwide influence of British music.
