The Music Awards of Staffordshire and Cheshire are back!

Regional Music Awards return to Staffordshire and Cheshire

The Music Awards of Staffordshire and Cheshire are set to make a much-welcomed return. The achievements of local, unsigned artists and bands from across the region will be celebrated at a special ceremony held on Wednesday 28^th January 2026, at the New Vic Theatre.

Delivered by Honey Box and The Buzz Stoke, with support from PH Production Services and Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, the awards will recognise the talent and energy of the area’s music scene.

The first Music Awards of Staffordshire and Cheshire were staged back in 2016 and provided the spark for what would ultimately become Honey Box Live, our grassroots broadcast project. Honey Box has gone on to showcase more than 130 artists, produce over 500 live performance videos, and is now in its ninth series. The 2026 awards are not only a celebration of the continuation of that journey but will also shine a bright spotlight on Staffordshire and Cheshire as a place where music is thriving.

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 celebrate each other. The impact that had was even more overwhelming that 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 and Cheshire. There is so much to shout about right now, and all the new bands coming through, who weren’t around pre-Covid when we first started doing the awards, really deserve that opportunity to stand up, to be seen and heard.’

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 by invite only for nominated artists and bands, with a welcoming atmosphere designed to bring people together in recognition of their work. Prior to the evening event, 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 music business.

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 put all the excellent music that’s produced in the area centre stage there too! It’s set to be a great event.”

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 energy and creativity of unsigned artists who continue to shape its sound and future.