That’s a Wrap! on the Brighton Girl Awards 2026. After months of planning and hundreds of nominations, we’ve come together at the Awards Ceremony to celebrate all the people and businesses that make Brighton such a colourful, inclusive and fun place to live.

While each category is important and special in its own way, the most special of all has to be Brighton Girl of the Year. This award aims at recognising one woman that made a difference in our city, and brought something unique and valuable to the table. This year, this place was awarded to Monica Zammit, founder of ‘Zumba with Mon’.

Zumba with Mon was born out of Monica’s life-long passion for dancing, and need to belong. A dancer since she was a child, Monica has always struggled to remember choreos or keep up with the fast routines, always feeling behind the other, ‘better’, dancers. Dance felt inaccessible, a pipe dream. It caused anxiety, doubts, embarrassment, dimming her confidence more and more.

Today, Monica transforms dance into a ritual of mindfulness, a space to embrace yourself and your mistakes. Forget the choreography, go too slow or too fast, just have fun! Zumba with Mon is a community of people that love to dance, at their own pace, at their own rules. “It’s more about community and dancing together” Monica tells us, “not being perfect or getting the choreography perfect”.

Monica’s own personal and professional background influenced the way she approaches dance. Her work as an educator, growing up with ADHD and anxiety, as well as her family life, all went into a deep understanding of why inclusivity and accessibility really matter, of the positive impact that she can have on others through their practice. “The way I treat people, the way I am, is not accidental. I think about it a lot, even though I never thought people would notice!”.

Well, we noticed. Brighton noticed, and that’s why she was recognised as Brighton Girl of the Year. Monica has such a positive impact on our community, bringing laughter and excitement to women all across the city.

I sat a little behind Monica at the Awards Ceremony. The moment her name was announced, the room exploded with cheers, her friends hugging her tight and laughing. It was such a special moment- witnessing the sincere surprise in Monica’s eyes, and the genuine support and love of everyone around her.

I was also lucky enough to meet Monica and feel the explosive joy she radiates, her ear-to-ear smile as she spoke of her passion for dance and commitment to this community. I believe nobody deserved this award more.

Check out Zumba with Mon here and support our new BG of the Year!

Written by Roberta Guarini

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