National Album Day is set to celebrate music “Icons” in 2026, and winners include PinkPantheress and Max Richter. (NME report)
The annual event celebrates the “art of the album” and the deep relationships that fans build with the artform. Each year, the day encourages album discovery and listening, and sees the release of exclusive products and record re-releases.
Themes vary from year to year, and previous instalments have included Nineties, Women in Music, Debut Albums, and Great British Groups. Last year, the theme was Rock, and it included vinyl re-released from the likes of Liam Gallagher, Manic Street Preachers, Iggy Pop, Queen, Architects and many more.
In 2026, it has been confirmed that the theme will be ‘Icons’, and encompass legendary, cultural and contemporary artists and recordings.
Artists set to be celebrated range from The Beatles to David Bowie, Oasis to Spice Girls, Jazzie B to Little Simz, and Lola Young to RAYE, and the event will explore how they transcend genres, speak to multiple generations, and help shape popular culture.
The 2026 event will be held on October 17, and the first two artist icons of this year’s campaign have been confirmed as BRIT Award-winner and Grammy-nominated PinkPantheress, and Oscar-nominated composer Max Richter CBE.
“Music is experienced in ways that are unique to every listener,” PinkPantheress said of being selected as a National Album Day 2026 Album Champion. “I love revisiting albums that I discovered at different times in my life, while always keeping an ear out for new sounds. This year, I encourage everyone to do the same for National Album Day.”
