The Music Awards of Staffordshire and Cheshire will return on 28th January 2026 with a special ceremony at the New Vic Theatre, celebrating the achievements of local artists and bands across the region.
Artists and bands are encouraged to nominate themselves for up to 10 awards, by heading to MusicAwards.live nominations close on 24th November, when the public voting for two of the awards opens.
Delivered by Honey Box and The Buzz Stoke, with support from PH Production Services and Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, the awards mark the third time the event has taken place, recognising the talent and energy of the area’s music scene.
Lee Barber, of The Buzz Stoke and co-producer of Honey Box, said: ‘When I first started floating the idea of an awards ceremony for Staffordshire and Cheshire music, it all came down to showing others the immense talent we had at the time, finding some great excuse to put all of those talented musicians in one room and celebrating each other. The impact that had was even more overwhelming than I could have ever anticipated, and in many ways it exceeded my hopes for the event. I really feel the time is right to finally bring back the Music Awards of Staffordshire & Cheshire, there is so much to shout about right now.’
Two award categories will be decided by public vote, giving audiences the chance to back their favourites. The rest will be chosen by a panel of industry professionals.
The Music Awards of Staffordshire and Cheshire will be an invite-only event for nominated artists and bands, with a welcoming atmosphere designed to bring people together in recognition of their work. Earlier in the day, the New Vic Theatre will host a series of talks and sessions led by leading industry figures, giving musicians the chance to hear from experts, build networks and gain practical insights into the business of music.
Not a lot of people will know that the first music awards, staged in 2016, provided the spark for what would become Honey Box Live, our grassroots broadcast project that has just launched series 9, showcased more than 130 artists and produced over 500 live performance videos. This year’s awards not only continue that journey but aim to shine a wider spotlight on Staffordshire and Cheshire as a place where music is thriving.
Pete Herbert, co-producer of Honey Box, said: “We’re excited to bring the awards to the New Vic Theatre. As one of the country’s most successful producing theatres, it seems right that we celebrate all of the excellent music that’s produced in the area there too. It’s set to be a great night!”
With live recognition, public voting and industry expertise all under one roof, the Music Awards of Staffordshire and Cheshire 2026 will be a landmark moment for the regional music community, championing the artists who continue to shape its sound and future.
