It’s time once again for a truly inspirational event in the music industry calendar – the Music Week Women In Music Awards 2026.
With celebrated broadcaster Clara Amfo joining on hosting duties for the first time, executives, artists and music industry legends will be out in force today (October 9) for the daytime event at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House London.
As in previous years, this year’s edition of the Women In Music Awards sold out well in advance. So be sure to book well ahead for the 2027 edition when tables go on sale next year.
The hugely successful awards recognise the incredible careers of women and female-identifying people in the music business. Click here for the full lowdown and winners at last year’s hugely popular ceremony.
A reminder that doors open at 12 noon for the drinks reception, followed by lunch and the awards ceremony. The dress code for the day: smart casual.
Following lunch and the ceremony, the after-party at the venue kicks off at 5.30pm with networking drinks.
“The joy, warmth and generosity that fill the room each year make it truly special
Alison Wenham and Lara Baker
Women In Music is staged in association with AIM and UK Music. Our headline sponsor this year is TikTok.
The event, which was created to celebrate and honour female talent in the industry, is just as vital as it was when it launched in 2014.
“As the Women In Music Awards enters its 12th year, it continues to inspire, delight and uplift us all,” said co-founders Lara Baker and Alison Wenham. “At a time when connection, support and visibility matter more than ever, this event provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women across every part of our industry.
“The joy, warmth and generosity that fill the room each year make it truly special, and a powerful testament to the strength of our community when we champion one another’s success.”
Women In Music recognises game-changing industry execs and artists across the following categories this year:
Artist Impact – Sponsored by TikTok
Businesswoman Of The Year – Sponsored by Musixmatch
Campaigner – Sponsored by Spotify EQUAL
DE&I Initiative Of The Year – Sponsored by BPI
Inspirational Artist - Sponsored by Vevo
International Woman Of The Year
Live Music Inspiration – Sponsored by O2
Music Champion – Sponsored by Fever/Dice
Music Creative – Spirit Of The Studio – Sponsored by Downtown
New Artist – Sponsored by PRS For Music and PRS Foundation
Outstanding Contribution
Partnership Award – Sponsored by SoundCloud
Rising Star – Sponsored by Believe and TuneCore
Special Recognition: Unsung Hero – Sponsored by Merlin Engage
As anyone who’s ever attended the ceremony knows, Women In Music is a much-loved industry occasion.
Last year’s sold-out ceremony marked another triumph as we celebrated 11 years of the event, with a host of top names from across the global music business in attendance.
Winners included New Artist winners Alt Blk Era, Mofe Soy, Satellite414 senior entertainment publicist, being presented with the Rising Star award by PinkPantheress, and Isabel Garvey, Warner Music’s outgoing COO at the time, presented with the Outstanding Contribution award by her friend and former EMI exec Baroness Hazarika. You can revisit all of the action here.
Music Week unveiled this year’s Roll Of Honour in association with Live Nation Women last month. The 16 inductees join a line-up of previous honorees, including industry superstars such as Kanya King, Charisse Beaumont, Colette Carey, Emma Banks, Laura Monks, Amber Davis, Rebecca Allen, Stacey Tang, Komali Scott-Jones, Shani Gonzales, Portia Clarke,and Claire Haffenden.
You can see the full list of 2026 inductees below:
Alexandra Ampofo
Promoter, Metropolis Music
Alice Frost
General Manager, ADA
Channette Carleo
Head of Content, KISS
Cookie Pryce
Director, Relationship Manager, The Orchard
Jackie Joseph
General Counsel, Blue Raincoat Music
Jessica Carsen
Senior Vice President, Communications & Public Affairs, Sony Music UK & Ireland
Lettice Summerscale
VP, Marketing & Communications, UK & International, Sony Music Publishing
Louisa Rainbird
Head of Music, Europe, Amazon MGM Studios
Lucy Pullin
Senior Music Crossover Agent, UTA
Mel Rudder – awarded posthumously
Founder, Thirty Three Music & Radio Plugger
Nickie Owen
President, International Marketing, Universal Music Group UK
Ree Sewell
Senior Artist & Label Relations Manager, SoundCloud
Rose Moon
Artist Manager, September
Ruth Collett
Artist & Label Partnerships Lead, Spotify
Sarah Wilson
Head of UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, TuneCore
Shrina Patel
Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs, Merlin
In addition to the sponsors listed above for the 2026 Women In Music Awards, other shout-outs must go to our Branding sponsor Punch and Red Carpet sponsor Virgin Music Group.
The Circle is our charity partner for 2026. Event partners are Girls I Rate, Mobolise by MOBO and Small Green Shoots.
We look forward to celebrating with you all!
