Towa Bird
This year’s event is centred around the theme of “Icons”.
National Album Day will return for its ninth edition on Saturday 17th October, with this year’s event centred around the theme of “Icons”.
Organised by the BPI and ERA, this year’s campaign will celebrate artists and albums that have shaped popular culture across generations, with names referenced including David Bowie, Oasis, Spice Girls, Little Simz, Raye and Lola Young.
PinkPantheress and Max Richter have been announced as the first Album Champions for 2026, with further artists set to be revealed ahead of the event later this year.
PinkPantheress said: “Music is experienced in ways that are unique to every listener. 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.”
Max Richter added: “Albums allow ideas the time and space to unfold. They invite a different kind of listening, one that allows for a deeper connection between artist and listener. That relationship is something I’ve always valued and why I’m glad to support National Album Day as an Album Champion.”
National Album Day launched in 2018 and aims to celebrate the album as an artform through exclusive releases, listening events, live performances, artist appearances and exhibitions. Previous themes have included Rock, Women In Music, Debut Albums and Great British Groups.
The 2026 edition will once again be supported by BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, alongside partners including Cherry Red Records, DP World, Official Charts, PPL, Proper and Trapeze.
Bristol's Electric and Nottingham's Rock City host the hardcore quintet this summer.
