With just over a week to go until the biggest and best ever edition of the Music Week Awards, we bring you an essential guide detailing everything you need to know ahead of the main event.
As the buzz builds, don’t forget the practicalities! Scroll down for every last detail…
When is it? Arrivals are at 5:45pm for networking and a drinks reception, before dinner is served at 7pm sharp. The awards ceremony kicks off at 8:45pm.
Where is it? This year, we’re at a brand new venue Battersea Evolution for the first time. Our new home is bigger and more versatile than ever, representing a new era for the best awards in the biz. The full address is: Battersea Evolution, Chelsea Bridge Gate, Battersea Park, Queenstown Road, London, SW8 4NW.
What’s on the menu? Meat eaters can look forward to pressed chicken terrine and navarin of lamb, while vegetarians will enjoy ricotta gnudi and polenta and ratatouille gateau. Dessert is a lemon tart.
Who’s presenting? Only music business icon and broadcasting legend Jo Whiley!
Who’s sponsoring? YouTube Music is this year’s headline sponsor, while Hentons Panayi, Marshall, Official Charts Company, PPL, Radio Monitor, Skiddle, MQA and ERA are also on board. This year’s charity partner is NSPCC.
Who’s nominated? This goes without saying: the cream of the British music business! Once again, this year saw a record number of entries across 23 categories, which includes 2019 debutants Accountancy Firm Of The Year and Music Consumer Innovation. Cast your eye over the full shortlist here and expect all the big guns from every sector, from the major labels and publishers and their independent counterparts, through to management, live, festivals, law firms and beyond.
What is The Strat? The biggest award of the night, The Strat is the Music Week Awards’ lifetime achievement category. Named after Tony Stratton-Smith (a manager and label boss nicknamed ‘Strat’), it’s awarded privately by the Music Week team and recognises the career of a true industry icon and innovator – previous winners include Jazz Summers, Sir Lucian Grainge, Michael Eavis, Rob Stringer, Sarah Stennett and Sir Richard Branson. Last year, pop icon Dua Lipa presented Warner Music legend Max Lousada (pictured above) with the prestigious prize.
How can I get a ticket? You’ll have to be fast: a handful of last remaining tickets are still available from Kate Smith at kate.smith@futurenet.com or via the website.
Where’s the Afterparty? Good question… and good news! The after show entertainment takes place inside Battersea Evolution’s glitzy surroundings too, so just sit back, relax and enjoy the show! Carriages, at the end of an action-packed night, are at 2am.
Revisit the highlights of last year's show here.
To subscribe to Music Week and never miss a music biz story, click here.
FOLLOW 
