National Album Day 2026

National Album Day 2026

National Album Day is an annual celebration of the album as an art form—encouraging people to listen to full records, discover new music, and recognise the album’s role as a space for artists to tell their stories. Launched in 2018, it takes place each year on the middle Saturday in October, with activity building in the week leading up to it.

Artists are at the heart of the campaign. Each year, Album Champions help bring it to life—spreading the word through press, social media and live events. Past champions include Alex Kapranos, Billy Bragg, Jake Bugg, Jazzie B, Joy Crookes, KSI, Kylie, Laura Mvula, Lewis Capaldi, Sharleen Spiteri and Shola Ama.

Each edition also has its own theme, which shapes activity across the campaign. Previous themes have included ‘The Eighties’, ‘Debut Albums’, ‘Groups’, ‘Albums by Women’ and ‘Rock’. This year in 2026, National Album Day will be taking place on Saturday 17 October, focusing on the theme of ‘Icons’.