Ivors Week returns for 2026 as The Ivors opens for entries and the Academy launches its second Summit

04 December 2025 - Press release

 

• The sixth annual Ivors Week returns to celebrate and empower songwriters with industry events led by The Ivors Academy.
• The Ivors Academy Summit confirmed for 19 May at BFI IMAX, with exclusive early tickets now on sale.
• The Ivors with Amazon Music, the most prestigious awards in music, will be held on 21 May at Grosvenor House London.
• Entries are open for six Ivor Novello Award categories until 16 January.
  
  

Ivors Week, the biggest celebration of songwriters, will return 18 - 22 May 2026. Led by The Ivors Academy, the week will celebrate and empower the craft and careers of songwriters and composers, recognising the achievements of the music-writing community.

Roberto Neri, CEO of The Ivors Academy, said: “Ivors Week is a moment for the world to recognise the power and impact of songwriting. From the 71st Ivor Novello Awards to our flagship Summit, in 2026 we will celebrate the highest levels of craft, empower the careers of songwriters and composers, and protect their rights across the globe.”

The Ivors Academy Summit
The Academy will hold its second Summit during Ivors Week on Tuesday 19 May at the BFI IMAX, London.

Bringing together songwriters and global music industry leaders, the Summit will focus on the future of music-making, creative rights, technology, the business of songwriting and more. The programme will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions and practical sessions designed to empower music creators at every stage of their careers.

The 2025 Summit included Self Esteem and Guy Garvey, and David Arnold and Anne Nikitin in conversation, along with quickfire sessions with international executives from leading companies across the music industry.

Limited early bird tickets for the Summit are on sale now, offering discounted access ahead of the full release in 2026.

 

The Ivors WITH AMAZON MUSIC 2026
The 71st presentation of The Ivors will take place on Thursday 21 May at Grosvenor House, London. As the most prestigious awards ceremony in music, The Ivors recognises exceptional originality, skill and impact in songwriting and screen composing.

Ivor Novello Awards will celebrate music written by British, Irish or UK resident songwriters and composers released in the UK in 2025. Gift of the Academy awards will honour songwriters whose sustained influence has shaped music and culture.

AWARD ENTRIES OPEN
Entries for six nominated categories, celebrating craft in songwriting and composing, have opened today and close at 5pm GMT on Friday 16 January:

1. Best Album celebrates long-form albums that demonstrate exceptional songwriting and creative consistency.
2. Best Contemporary Song recognises songs demonstrating outstanding originality and exploration of contemporary music boundaries.
3. Best Song Musically and Lyrically celebrates songs demonstrating excellence in melody, lyrics, harmony and structure.
4. Rising Star Award with Amazon Music celebrates young, 18-24 year-old, songwriting talent demonstrating exceptional potential and creativity.
5. Best Original Film Score recognises outstanding music written specifically for a feature film that enhances the visual content.
6. Best Television Soundtrack recognises outstanding music written specifically for a televised broadcast that enhances the visual content.

Entries for the Ivor Novello Award celebrating Best Original Video Game Score will open in 2026, with the winner presented later in the year.

Each category has specific rules and eligibility criteria. The Academy has also made several rule updates for 2026. Enter eligible work for consideration and read the rules and guidance here.

 

The Ivors 2026 dates
Friday 16 January, entries close at 5pm for the six nominated categories listed above.

Tuesday 27 January, tickets for the awards ceremony go on sale, initially with an allocation for Professional members of The Ivors Academy, before wider industry release.

Tuesday 24 March, nominations announced, following judging by acclaimed songwriters and composers from The Ivors Academy.

Thursday 21 May, The Ivors with Amazon Music will be held at Grosvenor House, London.