NI Music Prize 2026 winners revealed as Philomena Begley and CMAT deliver performance at Ulster Hall

The NI Music Prize 2026 winners have been revealed, including Joshua Burnside, Chalk, Kaidi Tatham and Polar Bolero, as Philomena Begley and CMAT delivered a performance at Belfast's Ulster Hall last night.

Begley received the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her 64-year career. Backed by the Shamrock Showband, she went on to perform her song 'Blanket on the Ground', inviting CMAT to join her on stage.

"We've had some incredible moments at the NI Music Prize over the years, but I don't think we've ever experienced an atmosphere quite like that," said Charlotte Dryden, CEO of the Oh Yeah Music Centre, organisers of the NI Music Prize.

"Seeing Philomena Begley and CMAT together, with the entire Ulster Hall on its feet, was something really special."

Meanwhile, Burnside took home the PPL Album of the Year award for It's Not Going to be OK, a day after winning at the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards.

Belfast post-punk duo Chalk celebrated a double win, picking up Single of the Year for 'Pain', decided by public vote, alongside MCD Live Act of the Year. Currently on tour with Fontaines D.C., the band sent a video message to accept their awards.

Multi-instrumentalist and DJ Tatham was named PRS for Music NI Creator of the Year, while indie group Polar Bolero won the public-voted BBC Introducing in Northern Ireland Artist of the Year award.

Composer and musician Neil Martin received the Outstanding Contribution to Music Award, presented by actor Stephen Rea.

The evening opened with a performance from The McKenna Family, followed by live sets from Wynona Bleach, the Shamrock Showband, Beauty Sleep, Aoibha with Ciaran Lavery and Róise.

Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the NI Music Prize comes as part of the Sound of Belfast festival, which continues across the city until November 15, honouring Belfast's status as a UNESCO City of Music.