Announcing: The Brighton Girl Awards Categories 2026

Brighton

12 Nov

The Brighton Girl Awards 2026 will kick off in style with a special launch event at PLATF9RM Hove on Wednesday 26th November. Almost 8 months to the day since our sell out ceremony back in March!

This launch marks the beginning of the next chapter for the Brighton Girl Awards, as we open nominations for our refreshed list of categories celebrating the people and businesses making Brighton & Hove a safer, kinder and more creative place to live.

From our headline Brighton Girl of the Year award to new additions like Experience, Health and Beauty Space, and Green Business, this year’s lineup shines a spotlight on the incredible variety of talent and community spirit that defines our city.

With just two weeks to go, we wanted to share exactly how the Brighton Girl Awards will work this year and how you can get involved.

The Process

Similar to last year, we’re splitting the awards into three parts…

Nominations (26th November - 30th December): Nominate as many people and business as you’d like per category.
Change from last year: We will be contacting the people and businesses who are being nominated to find out if they’d like to be involved. If they don’t their nominations will not be counted.
Public Voting (6th Jan - 4th March): The Top 10 for each category will go to a ‘public vote’ – everyone starts with a clean slate so previous nominations will not count.
Judging (8th - 18th March): The Top 5 Finalists will be announced on the 8th March (International Women’s Day) and judges will then decide on the winner. The judging panel will be made up of experts and awards sponsors, moderated by Edge of Difference. Information about the judging process will be discussed at the launch event.

The winners will be announced at The Old Market on Thursday 19th March. Tickets will go on sale soon.

Our Supporters

Before we leave you to read through the categories, we wanted to give a very heartfelt thank you to our partners who have made this happen.

The Brighton Girl Awards have proven to be a brilliant catalyst for businesses and individuals making a true difference. Without our partners, that catalyst would not exist.

You will hear a lot about who our partners are over the next 4 and a half months, and if you’d like to be one of them then please email hello@citygirlnetwork.com.

Thank you to Gold Arts, Churchill Square, Flexibility Matters, Search Seven, Reset & Rediscover, Claire Lipscomb Finance Planning Mortgage & Protection, Edge of Difference, Sophie Sheinwald, Dynamic Awards, Backbone Studio, PLATF9RM, Copper Moth Studio, The Old Market and Lemon Drizzle.

Brighton Girl — Sponsored by Gold Arts

Our headline award, Brighton Girl of the Year, celebrates an inspiring woman in Brighton & Hove who has made a significant impact in her community. She embodies the values of kindness, creativity and courage — lifting others up, championing local causes and making Brighton a better place to live and work. Previous winners were Kaia Allen-Bevan (2025) and Jade Hylton (2023/24).

Charity — Sponsored by Search Seven

This award celebrates the charities and community initiatives making a real difference to lives in Brighton & Hove. Whether tackling local challenges, supporting those in need, or creating opportunities for change, these organisations embody compassion, impact and the true spirit of giving back. Previous winners were Brighton Women’s Centre (2025).

Community

The Brighton Girl Community of the Year celebrates a group that has made a positive impact in Brighton & Hove through inclusivity, support and meaningful engagement. This award recognises the communities that bring people together, create belonging and make Brighton a kinder, more connected city. Previous winners were Co Women (2025) and Women of Colour Brighton (2023/24).

Creative

For the artists, designers, writers, tattooists, musicians and makers who keep Brighton’s creative heart beating. This award celebrates innovation, originality and the people using creativity to inspire, challenge and connect. Previous winners were AFLO. the poet (2025).

Employer — Sponsored by Flexibility Matters

The Brighton Girl Employer of the Year honours a business that champions the wellbeing, growth and satisfaction of its team. This award recognises employers that lead with inclusivity, flexibility and care — creating workplaces where people feel valued, supported and inspired to thrive. Previous winners were Octopus Energy.

Best in Hospitality

Celebrating the restaurants, cafés, and bars that make Brighton’s dining scene exceptional. This award recognises venues that deliver outstanding customer service and great food and drink experience, whilst also being a great place to work and grow within the hospitality industry.

Experience

This award celebrates the people and organisations behind Brighton’s most memorable festivals, exhibitions and events. Recognising creativity, inclusivity and impact, it honours those who bring people together through experiences that inspire, entertain and connect the community.

Fitness Space

The Brighton Girl Fitness Space of the Year recognises the gym, studio or training space that puts people first — creating an uplifting, inclusive environment that supports both body and mind. This award celebrates spaces where customer happiness, community spirit and wellbeing come together to inspire lasting, positive change.

Green Business

The Brighton Girl Green Business of the Year celebrates organisations leading the way in sustainability and environmental responsibility. From reducing waste and lowering emissions to championing ethical practices and inspiring others to take action, this award honours businesses making Brighton a cleaner, greener and more conscious place to live and work.

Health and Beauty Space of the Year

The Brighton Girl Health and Beauty Space of the Year celebrates the salons, spas, clinics and wellness professionals helping Brighton look and feel its best. From beauty and skincare to dentistry and holistic health, this award recognises exceptional service, care and commitment to client wellbeing.

New Business

The Brighton Girl New Business of the Year celebrates the city’s most exciting emerging brands and founders. This award recognises businesses within their first two years that have brought determination, community spirit and exciting energy to Brightons business scene.

Professional Service

From accountants and lawyers to consultants, coworking spaces and agencies, this category recognises businesses providing reliable expertise and excellent service that help others thrive.

Property Service

The Brighton Girl Property Service of the Year celebrates the people and businesses helping Brighton residents to buy, rent and create their ideal homes. From estate agents and developers to designers and mortgage advisors, this award recognises those who combine professionalism and integrity with genuine care for the communities they serve. Previous winners were MyHaus Property (2025).

Retailer — Sponsored by Churchill Square

The Brighton Girl Retailer of the Year celebrates the outstanding shops and online stores that make Brighton a joy to browse and buy from. From books and fashion to homeware and gifts, this award recognises exceptional products, service and creativity. Previous winners were Afrori Books (2025).

Venue

The Brighton Girl Venue of the Year celebrates the spaces that host Brighton’s most memorable moments; from live music and comedy, to theatre, parties and corporate events. This award recognises venues that deliver an exceptional experience through atmosphere, service and creativity, helping make Brighton one of the UK’s most exciting cities for entertainment and connection. Previous winners were The Old Market (2025).

Wedding Service

The Brighton Girl Wedding Service of the Year celebrates the very best in our local wedding scene. From planning and catering to entertainment, fashion and venues, this award recognises those who bring creativity, care and a personal touch to every celebration.

Wellbeing Champion

The Brighton Girl Wellbeing Champion of the Year celebrates an individual who supports others through care, guidance and holistic practice. Whether a therapist, coach, healer or wellness entrepreneur, this award recognises someone who inspires balance, confidence and wellbeing within the Brighton community.

City Girl