UK music and audio industry awards announce 2026 nominees

The 2026 Youth Music Awards and the Audio Production Awards have both released their shortlists, highlighting emerging and established talent across the UK's creative sectors.

The Youth Music Awards will be held at St George’s Hall in Liverpool on October 28, marking the first time the ceremony has moved away from London since its 2019 inception. The awards feature 11 categories, including the Rising Star Award, Lyricist Award, and Music Producer Award, alongside community-focused honors like the Social Action Award. Interim co-CEO Carol Reid noted that the nominees represent the future of a more diverse music industry.

Meanwhile, AudioUK has announced the nominees for the 2026 Audio Production Awards, which recognize excellence in the podcast and audio sectors. The ceremony is scheduled for November 26 at BFI Southbank in London. Categories include Production Company of the Year, Presenting Team, Narrator, and Producer of the Year, with nominees ranging from major entities like Sony Music Podcasts and Sky News to independent creators.