Billboard U.K. Hosts 2026 40 Under 40 Honors Event in Manchester: See Photos
Categoria: Musica
Kojey Radical was awarded the Trailblazer Award at the ceremony in Manchester on Wednesday (Oct. 7).
Por Billboard | 08/10/2026
Billboard U.K. hosted its inaugural 40 Under 40 honors event at Manchester’s Beyond The Music conference and festival on Wednesday (Oct. 7). Related Billboard U.K.’s 2026 40 Under 40 List: Revealed Kojey Radical Honored With Trailblazer Award at Billboard U.K.’s Inaugural 40 Under 40 Event Powderfinger Is Teasing 'Something Extraordinary' The intimate event, held at the MediaCity complex in Salford, Greater Manchester, celebrated the publication of Billboard U.K. ‘s first-ever 40 Under 40 list , which recognizes rising executives based in the U.K. A number of honorees from major labels, indie companies, publishers, agencies and beyond were on hand to be celebrated by their peers. During the afternoon’s opening remarks, Billboard U.K . editor Thomas Smith praised the honorees’ “new ideas and new approaches in the way we work.” He continued: “I truly feel like the difference makers in our sector are in this room.” Bev Craig , the Mayor of Greater Manchester, and Oli Wilson , co-CEO of Beyond The Music and son of Manchester legend Tony Wilson also made remarks. Kojey Radical , one of the U.K.’s most eclectic and forward-thinking rappers, become the recipient of the Trailblazer Award. “Receiving the Trailblazer Award feels particularly emotional because being a trailblazer isn’t about knowing where you’re going,” he said while accepting the award. “Maybe, sometimes, it’s just having enough faith to keep walking when there is no clear path.” Manchester group Bank Holiday performed a pair of songs to close out the lunch. Beyond The Music continues until Friday (Oct. 9). Below, see photos by Sophia Carey from the event. Thomas Smith, Billboard U.K. editor Ra’ed Khan, Warner Music & Rebecca Dixon, Various Artists Management Chloé van Bergen, Secretly Group Holly Shaw, Universal Music Group & Emily Jeffery, Polydor Label Group Anu Gantumur, BMI Tom Coulson-Smith, BMG Mitch Page, Amazon Music Olivia Hobbs, Blackstar Agency Guv Singh, Catalyst Management Rivca Burns, Factory International Adem Holness, SXSW London Bradlee Banbury, CAA Bonita McKinney, Virgin Music Group Billy Millar, Bella Figura Music Oli Wilson, Beyond The Music speaking at Billboard UK 40 Under 40. Tommas Arnby, Special Projects at Billboard UK 40 Under 40. Rivca Burns, Mayor of Greater Manchester, speaking at Billboard UK 40 Under 40. Thomas Smith speaking at Billboard UK 40 Under 40. Kojey Radical collecting the Trailblazer Award at Billboard UK 40 Under 40. Kojey Radical with his Trailblazer Award at Billboard UK 40 Under 40. Bank Holiday performing live at Billboard UK 40 Under 40.