The University of Manchester proudly hosted the unveiling of the official 2026 BRIT Awards trophy design at the University’s Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama , marking a major cultural moment as the BRITs prepare to be hosted in Manchester for the first time in their history.
The trophy, designed by internationally acclaimed Manchester-born designer Matthew Williamson, was unveiled during a special event celebrating both the city’s creative heritage and the University’s role as a hub for arts, design, music and performance. The University of Manchester’s John Rylands Research Institute and Library , home to the renowned British Pop Archive - the UK’s first large-scale, dedicated collection for the preservation and study of popular, counterand youth culture - helped frame the significance of the occasion.
At the event, attended by fashion, music and drama students from across the University, guests witnessed the first public reveal of the iconic trophy and took part in an in-depth Q&A with Williamson. The conversation, led by Heather Cole , Head of Collections, Teaching and Research at the John Rylands Library, offered students and attendees unique insight into the designer’s creative process, his career journey, and what it means to see the BRITs come to his home city.
Williamson’s design draws deeply from Manchester’s identity. Crafted in amber-toned resin reminiscent of the golden honey of the worker bee, the city’s enduring symbol of resilience, the trophy sits atop a globe representing the global reach and influence of British music.
The University of Manchester is delighted to host the unveiling of the 2026 BRIT Award design with Manchester-born designer Matthew Williamson. Music is central to our city’s identity, and Manchester has long nurtured artists of global influence. It’s wonderful that the BRITs will be hosted outside London for the first time, and that Manchester has been chosen. With the British Pop Archive based here at the University, it feels fitting to celebrate the next chapter of the BRITs in a city shaped by its creativity and the people who study, work and create here."
Heather Cole from the John Rylands Research Institute and Library added: "It was a privilege to host Matthew Williamson and introduce our students to the creative thinking behind this year’s BRITs trophy.
At the John Rylands Library, and through the British Pop Archive, we are committed to preserving and celebrating the cultural movements that shape British identity. Seeing a Manchester-born designer lead this new chapter of the BRIT Awards resonates strongly with our mission, and it was inspiring to give students direct access to such an influential figure."
The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard , taking place on Saturday 28th February at Manchester’s Co-op Live , marks the first time the ceremony will be hosted outside London. This year’s trophy places Manchester and the University, firmly at the centre of the BRITs’ new era.
Matthew Williamson joins a distinguished list of creatives who have shaped the BRITs trophy, including Gabriel Moses , Rachel Jones , Slawn , Dame Vivienne Westwood , Tracey Emin , Dame Zaha Hadid , Sir David Adjaye , Es Devlin and Yinka Ilori . Each year, the BRITs commission a leading artist to reinterpret the iconic statue, ensuring it remains a dynamic symbol of British creativity.
As the BRIT Awards begin their first-ever chapter in Manchester, the University’s involvement underscores its commitment to celebrating and fostering the city’s rich cultural landscape while offering transformative experiences for its students.
