The Circle Joins Forces with Music Week for 2026 Women In Music Awards

Music Week’s latest announcement brings a new ally to the 2026 Women In Music Awards: the charity The Circle. The partnership will be unveiled on Friday, 9 October 2026, when the ceremony takes place inside London’s JW Marriott Grosvenor House. Table reservations are now open, and the Music Week website lists contact details for those wishing to secure a seat.

The Women In Music Awards, a 12‑year‑old tradition, is co‑organised by the Association of Independent Music (AIM) and UK Music. It recognises women and female‑identifying professionals across the entire industry—from executives and artists to producers and engineers—highlighting the breadth of talent that drives the sector.

Enter The Circle, a global charity that has helped more than 700 000 women and girls worldwide. The organisation provides funding, advocacy and connections to grassroots groups that tackle gender‑based violence and economic inequality. According to its own reporting, one in three women will experience violence in her lifetime, and the charity’s network has directly supported over 1.4 million people on women’s rights initiatives.

Raakhi Shah, CEO of The Circle, said the partnership was an honour. “Together, we celebrate the incredible achievements of women in the industry while standing in solidarity and action with women facing violence and injustice globally,” she told Music Week. The quote underscores the charity’s mission to bring visibility to the issue of gender‑based violence.

The 2025 ceremony, which sold out, showcased the awards’ reach. FKA Twigs received the Inspirational Artist award from Skunk Anansie’s Skin; Mofe Soy, a senior entertainment publicist, was presented with the Rising Star award by PinkPantheress; and Isabel Garvey, then COO of Warner Music, took home the Outstanding Contribution award from former EMI executive Baroness Hazarika.

The 2026 event will continue the tradition of daytime recognition, combining performances, panel discussions and award presentations. The partnership with The Circle adds a charitable dimension, aligning the awards with a global movement against gender‑based violence.

Table and seat bookings can be arranged by contacting Kate Smith, customer relations manager, at kate.smith@futurenet.com. For sponsorship and partnership inquiries, Music Week’s event team is reachable at lawrence.cooke@futurenet.com.

The inclusion of The Circle signals the music industry’s growing engagement with social issues. By linking a high‑profile awards ceremony to a charity with a proven track record of supporting women’s safety and empowerment, the event demonstrates a broader commitment to gender equity beyond the stage.

The 2026 Women In Music Awards will therefore serve both as a celebration of professional achievement and as a platform to raise awareness and funds for women’s rights initiatives worldwide. The partnership with The Circle is expected to bring additional visibility to the charity’s work and to encourage industry stakeholders to support its mission.

The event’s schedule, including keynote speakers and award categories, will be released in the coming weeks. Attendees can expect a daytime programme featuring performances, panel discussions and award presentations.

In summary, the 2026 Women In Music Awards will take place on 9 October at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House, with The Circle as the official charity partner. The partnership highlights the music industry’s role in supporting women’s safety and empowerment globally, while continuing to honour outstanding contributions within the sector.