The champions for National Album Day 2026 have been revealed.

BRIT Award-winner and Grammy nominee PinkPantheress (pictured) and Oscar-nominated composer Max Richter will help promote this year's ninth edition with further Album Champions to be announced in due course.

This year's theme will celebrate music "icons", from The Beatles to David Bowie, Oasis to Spice Girls, Jazzie B to Little Simz, and Lola Young to Raye. 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."

Richter shared: "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."

Organised jointly by the BPI (British Phonographic Industry) and ERA (Entertainment Retailers Association), in association with BBC Radio 2, and with support from Cherry Red Records, DP World, Official Charts, PPL, Proper, and Trapeze, National Album Day will take place on October 17.

The event sees the music community come together to celebrate and promote the art of the album. Contributions from UK record labels for the day will include exclusive new releases and reissued classic albums, as well as support from music retailers, both in-store and online, and the wider music industry. Head here for more details.

Last year's rock theme was championed by Iron Maiden, Wolf Alice, Nova Twins and Architects, following earlier editions focused on albums of the '90s, Women In Music, Debut Albums and Great British Groups.