Billboard U.K. Hosts 2026 40 Under 40 Honors Event in Manchester

Billboard U.K. hosted its inaugural 40 Under 40 honors event on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at Manchester’s Beyond The Music conference and festival.

Held at the MediaCity complex in Salford, Greater Manchester, the intimate gathering celebrated the publication of the first-ever 40 Under 40 list recognizing rising executives based in the U.K.

Honorees from major labels, indie companies, publishers, agencies, and other sectors attended to celebrate with their peers. During the opening remarks, Billboard U.K. editor Thomas Smith praised the honorees for bringing new ideas and approaches to their work. Smith stated, “I truly feel like the difference makers in our sector are in this room.”

Greater Manchester Mayor Bev Craig and Beyond The Music co-CEO Oli Wilson, son of Manchester legend Tony Wilson, also delivered remarks.

Kojey Radical, recognized as one of the U.K.’s most eclectic and forward-thinking rappers, received the Trailblazer Award. Accepting the honor, he said, “Receiving the Trailblazer Award feels particularly emotional because being a trailblazer isn’t about knowing where you’re going. Maybe, sometimes, it’s just having enough faith to keep walking when there is no clear path.”

Manchester group Bank Holiday performed two songs to close the lunch. Beyond The Music runs through Friday, Oct. 9. Sophia Carey’s event photographs appear below.

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.