Billboard U.K. Hosts 2026 40 Under 40 Honors Event in Manchester: See Photos
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Kojey Radical was awarded the Trailblazer Award at the ceremony in Manchester on Wednesday (Oct. 7).
Billboard U.K. hosted its inaugural 40 Under 40 honors event at Manchester’s Beyond The Music conference and festival on Wednesday (Oct. 7).
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.