2026 BRIT Award trophy design unveiled at The University of Manchester

The University of Manchester was selected to host the unveiling of the 2026 BRIT Award trophy design, created by Manchester-born Matthew Williamson.

Speaking in the University's Martin Harris Centre, Williamson said that he was "humbled and flattered to be sat here with this trophy."

The BRIT Awards will take place this year on 28 February at Manchester’s Co-Op Live. This is the first time the event has been held both in the city and outside of London.

The organisers of the award show set out for the 2026 ceremony to embrace the local culture in the city and surrounding areas, expressing how, "having a Manchester born designer at the helm of this year’s trophy places the city firmly at the centre of the 2026 story." They join a growing number of organisations choosing Manchester to base their activities, including the English National Opera.

Williamson becomes part of a cohort of renowned creatives who have been previously entrusted with designing the trophy, including last year’s designer, Gabriel Moses, as well as Rachel Jones, Slawn, Dame Vivienne Westwood, Sir Peter Blake, Tracey Emin, Dame Zaha Hadid, Sir David Adjaye and Es Devlin and Yinka Ilori.

Credit: Joe Bardsley @ University of Manchester

Born in Manchester, Williamson attended Loreto College, before moving to London to study at Central Saint Martins. He stated that one of his biggest inspirations for his design career was his mother, seeing her as a "beacon of glamour."

During the discussion, the fashion-turned-interior designer noted how Afflecks, the well-known multi-story shop in the Northern Quarter, inspired his love for design, becoming "his escape from the everyday".

He also had fond memories of nights out at The Haçienda, having started his fashion career making outfits for nights at the venue using material purchased from Afflecks itself.

The trophy is inspired by Manchester's worker bee emblem, with Williamson emphasising the importance of creating a design that had a connection to the city, representing the people within it. The trophy embodies Manchester's essential role in the fabric of the British nation, from the Industrial Revolution up until the present day.

The award itself, described by Williamson as a "honey drenched transparent figure", is created from amber toned resin. He describes the award as a "timeless piece" that he hopes all winners can use as a real addition to their homes. 

As a Mancunian, he was "thrilled to have been asked" to design the prestigious award for the first BRIT's ceremony held in the city, and feels honoured to have his product design featured in such a way.

Following the discussion, Williamson answered a series of questions from the audience, which primarily focused on his education and rise in the industry. Although he now resides in Mallorca, Williamson credited Manchester for shaping his creativity, proudly describing himself as "Manchester through and through."

Notably, when asked about funding cuts for the arts and advice for aspiring creatives wanting to break into the industry, Williamson emphasised the importance of cultivating a personal and individual approach to one's craft, reflecting on the boldness that defined his own early career. Williamson described how he didn't create an in depth portfolio but simply made a small box of his sketches and ideas, sending it to designers until interest was caught.

While acknowledging the value of his time at Central Saint Martins, he added that he hopes there will be more accessible pathways for the next generation beyond traditional university study.

In response to the event, Vice-Chancellor Duncan Ivison expressed that: 'The University of Manchester is delighted to host the unveiling of the 2026 BRIT Award design with Manchester-born designer Matthew Williamson."

He added: "With the British Pop Archive based here at the University, it feels fitting to celebrate the next chapter of the BRIT's in a city shaped by its creativity and the people who study, work and create here."