Key Highlights
- Manchester-based artist Matthew Williamson has designed the 2026 BRIT Awards trophy.
- The trophy will be unveiled for the first time outside of London in 2026.
- The trophy features a bee mascot and a globe symbolizing British music’s global reach.
- Williamson’s design aims to create something timeless, stylish, and reflective of Manchester’s spirit.
New BRIT Awards Trophy Unveiled by Manchester Artist for First Time Outside London
The 2026 BRIT Awards are set to take a significant step in their history as the prestigious music ceremony will be held in Manchester, marking the first time the event has been hosted outside of London since its inception in 1977. The milestone is accompanied by an exciting change: the trophy for this year’s awards has been designed by local artist Matthew Williamson, known for his bold and colorful creations.
Designing a Timeless Symbol
Matt Williamson, born and raised in Manchester, has taken inspiration from the city’s rich history to create the 2026 BRITs trophy. His work is already well-known within the industry, having showcased his designs at both London Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week.
“I wanted to create something timeless and stylish that each recipient would feel proud to own and display,” Williamson explained in a statement. “The trophy will resemble the golden honey of Manchester’s worker bee mascot atop a globe representing the worldwide reach of British music.”
A Symbol of Resilience and Creativity
The bee symbol, often used as a logo for Manchester, is a powerful representation of the city’s resilience during the Industrial Revolution. According to Williamson, “Above all, I wanted to ensure it connected to Manchester, the BRITs’ new location and my hometown.” The designer believes that this spirit continues to resonate in contemporary society.
“I imagine each deserving winner will feel on top of the world as they receive their award,” Williamson added. “This is an honor and a career highlight for me.”
A Collaborative Effort
The design project was led by Matthew Williamson, along with Stacey Tang, BRITs Chair and Co-President of RCA, and Glyn Aikins, Co-President of RCA Records at Sony Music UK. Aikins expressed his excitement about the new trophy: “Matthew’s bold, expressive creativity has shaped British fashion for over two decades, and his vision for this year’s trophy brings a new sense of color, optimism, and individuality to the BRITs.”
The 2026 BRIT Awards are scheduled to take place at Co-op Live on February 28. The ceremony will be broadcast live on ITV.
