BRIT Awards reveal Manchester-inspired trophy design for 2026.

2 hours ago7 min read1 comments

The BRIT Awards have unveiled a Manchester-inspired trophy for their 2026 ceremony, a design by hometown hero Matthew Williamson that feels less like a piece of statuary and more like a perfect bridge between the city's storied musical past and its vibrant present. Williamson, the acclaimed designer whose work has always pulsed with a rhythmic, almost musical energy, described his creation as 'timeless and stylish,' but for those who know their music history, it’s a symphony in physical form.The design, which moves away from the traditional female Britannia figure, is a deliberate nod to Manchester’s indelible mark on the global music scene—a city that gave us the raw energy of The Smiths, the dance-floor revolution of The Hacienda, and the anthemic swagger of Oasis. It’s a trophy that doesn’t just sit on a shelf; it tells a story, much like the liner notes of a classic vinyl record.This isn't the first time the BRITs have reimagined their icon; over the years, artists like Damien Hirst and Vivienne Westwood have put their spin on it, but Williamson’s feels particularly poignant, a homecoming gift for a ceremony that has, in recent years, consciously shifted outside of London to celebrate the UK's broader musical landscape. The move to Manchester for the 2026 event is itself a headline, a recognition that the heart of British music doesn't beat solely in the capital.It’s a decision that echoes the cultural decentralization seen in other major awards, acknowledging that talent and innovation are nationwide phenomena. For the artists who will eventually hold this trophy, it will be more than an award; it will be a piece of a city’s soul, a tangible connection to a lineage of innovators who changed how we listen. The rollout of this design is the first single from the 2026 BRITs album, and if the trophy is any indication, the main event promises to be a chart-topping performance that honors where music has been while eagerly pointing to where it’s going next.

#BRIT Awards

#trophy design

#Matthew Williamson

#Manchester

#music awards

#editorial picks news

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