The StepFWD Awards, the UK's definitive Christian and Gospel music awards, return for their sixth year on Saturday 21 November 2026 at the Lighthouse Theatre, London.
Celebrating creative excellence across Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) and Gospel, this year's theme is "For HIS Glory", honouring artists who use their gifts to keep the spotlight on faith and worship.
Billed as the UK's "Dove meets Stellar" red-carpet event, the awards are anchored in Romans 12:10: "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honour." At their heart is a simple principle: every gift celebrated points back to the One who gave it.
At a glance
Date: Saturday 21 November 2026
Venue: Lighthouse Theatre, London
Theme: "For HIS Glory"
Dress code: Formal attire or creative fashion: "Met Gala, but keep it Kingdom!"
Tickets: stepfwdawards.com
Performing live
Expect an energetic evening of live performances spanning Worship, Gospel, Pop, Rap and R&B, from established names, emerging artists and some of the UK's most exciting Christian music talent:
Chantelle Rutendo, soulful British-Zimbabwean gospel singer-songwriter known for chart-topping worship anthems
Elle Limebear, award-winning Brighton-based worship leader with a captivating pop-worship sound
Emmanuel Smith, Ghanaian-born UK urban gospel artist known for high-energy, worshipful performances
Folabi Nuel, UK-based Nigerian singer-songwriter blending worship with jazz, rock and pop
BIMM Birmingham Gospel Choir, bringing powerful choral harmonies and vibrant gospel energy
Jonathan Traylor, US-based worship artist combining gospel, pop and contemporary urban music
Josh Carr, rising UK singer-songwriter and Premier Praise presenter
Nikela, emerging Gospel and Afro-gospel artist with rhythm-rich soundscapes
Yourboywonder, Christian hip-hop artist known for bold lyrics and infectious beats
Hunni D2 Hebron, passionate gospel act delivering soulful praise
Decca OTA, inspiring vocalist with a fresh sound and deep spiritual resonance
678Nath, trailblazing UK rapper pioneering message-driven Christian hip-hop
DJ Shunz, award-winning UK Gospel DJ bringing high-energy, uplifting mixes
Imrhan
Vote for Song of the Year
Twenty-four top-performing singles have been shortlisted from more than 1,500 songs released during the year, and voting is now open. Have your say at stepfwdawards.com/vote.
Nominees for the Annual Music Awards are being announced this week, with more news expected in the run-up to the ceremony.
New criteria for 2026
This year marks a significant moment for UK Christian and Gospel music. In March 2026, the Official UK Christian & Gospel Singles Chart launched in partnership with the Official Charts Company, and the awards have introduced updated criteria and categories to reflect the changing industry.
Eligible works must have been released between 1 August 2025 and 31 July 2026, have a clear connection to the UK Christian and Gospel scene, and be publicly released and commercially available. Chart data may also be considered.
Nominations and winners are assessed on quality and artistic merit, commercial and chart performance, industry and peer recognition, audience and cultural impact, live performance, and career development.
Annual Music Categories
Song of the Year
Male Artist of the Year
Female Artist of the Year
Album of the Year
New Artist of the Year
Global Talent of the Year
Honorary Categories
Outstanding Contribution
Lavine Hudson Award for Vocal Excellence
John Paculabo Award for Industry Development
Lifetime Achievement
Public voting will open across selected categories, with details to be announced.
Tickets and VIP tables
The evening combines the atmosphere of a major red-carpet event with the community, celebration and faith at the heart of Christian and Gospel music. VIP table seating returns for 2026, with priority access, premium placement and complimentary refreshments. Availability is limited, so early booking is encouraged.
Tickets, event information and the latest announcements are at www.stepfwdawards.com.
About AStepFWD
Founded in 2014, AStepFWD is a UK-based organisation supporting and promoting Christian and Gospel music through charting, media, events and artist development. For over a decade it curated the independent UK Christian Charts before working with the Official Charts Company to launch the Official UK Christian & Gospel Singles Chart. AStepFWD also runs the StepFWD Awards and the University Gospel Choir of the Year (UGCY) competition, and supports a network of more than 700 registered artists.
Media and press enquiries: pr@astepfwd.com. Follow @astepfwd and @stepfwdawards for the latest announcements.
Tune in to Soul Food Gospel Radio, the home of great Christian entertainment, at soulfoodgospel.com/listen-live.