Voting is now open for the TRIC Awards 2026, once again giving audiences across the UK the chance to have their say on the biggest names in television, radio and online, while also helping to raise vital funds for charity, with this year’s awards supporting Refuge and Bright Young Dreams.
With the ceremony set to take place on 23 June at Grosvenor House Hotel, one of the most anticipated dates in the calendar is fast approaching. As the industry gears up for the event, ERT caught up with newly appointed TRIC Chair Charlotte Graham-Cumming to discuss the importance of the awards, how the landscape is evolving, and what we can expect from this year’s ceremony.
Cast your votes here: poll-tric.org.uk
ERT: For those who may not know you yet, could you introduce yourself and share a bit about your background?
Charlotte Graham-Cumming (CGC): I’ve just joined as Chair in December 2025, was Vice Chair for a year prior to that, and previously worked in the background for six years helping out with digital and communications with Alexia, the TRIC director. My role at TRIC is a volunteer role, and in my day job I run an award winning B2B Marketing Agency that works with the technology sector. I’ve worked all around the world, including when I was client side, and I love to problem solve and help people.
ERT: What attracted you to the role of Chair, and what are you most looking forward to?
(CGC): I’ve always worked with TRIC because of its Charity fundraising – it’s my small contribution to make a positive difference to those that need it most. Like most people I feel a warm affection for TRIC and the work that it does, and how it celebrates British Entertainment across the board. I’m really looking forward to taking TRIC to the next level to raise more money and to make even more of a difference. We’ve brought on some new amazing committee members from the broadcasters and entertainment sectors, companies such EY and the charity sector to help us make a difference.
ERT: What are your main priorities during your time as Chair?
(CGC): My priorities fall broadly into three categories, one: Raising as much money as possible for charity, Two: bolstering the operations and finances with corporate best practice, and Three: raising the awareness of TRIC in the entertainment industry and the wider public. We already have a lot of promising initiatives underway in these areas which is generating improvements.
ERT: Can you talk us through the chosen charities for this year’s TRIC Awards?
(CGC): As Chair I get to choose a charity, as well as Channel 4’s and Classic FMs Dan Walker – our President. Dan is continuing his support of Bright Young Dreams, an amazing charity that helps young people gain access to critical mental health support. My chosen charity is the UK’s largest domestic violence charity, unfortunately 26 years ago I ended up homeless with two small children as a result of domestic violence, and I remember all too well the all consuming fear during that time, I have been lucky to rebuild my life if ways I would never have imagined – and I want to be a part of giving other victims that chance.
ERT: What are you most excited about for this year’s awards?
(CGC): I don’t even know where to start! We’ve been working on SO much in the background – we’re celebrating up and coming talent as well as the more established people, we’re bringing in new initiatives to increase fundraising – and we’ve had some incredible prize donations that you really can’t get anywhere else. We’ve got new corporate partners who are really raising the calibre of networking and as always some eye opening talent performing and attending.
ERT: How important is TRIC’s role in bringing the industry together?
(CGC): So important, when the economy is challenging it’s crucial to come together to remember that there is a lot of good in the world, people helping each other, and working to stay relevant across all the moving parts in the industry. It’s important to get to know people on a personal level which can only help with commercial relationships.
ERT: What do you think makes TRIC unique compared to other industry organisations?
(CGC): We’re unique because we blend the celebration of British talent with fundraising for valuable causes. No-one else gives you the opportunity to mingle with the stars and make a difference in the world at the same time. TRIC always has a family feel to it, it’s not corporate – it’s warm and friendly and an amazing experience.
ERT: How do you hope to build on the work of previous Chairs?
(CGC): The previous chairs had the challenge of rebuilding after Covid, and I seek to continue that amazing work, both in commercial rigour and making TRIC one of the best events out there!
ERT: How can people and brands get more involved with TRIC?
(CGC): We need more corporate members – you are the lifeblood and it’s only a small fee to join – but it makes all the difference, you get discounted tables and sponsorship packages, priority seating and a chance to meet and greet the stars in attendance. You can also volunteer, donate prizes or just help out on the day.
Tables are selling out, as are the sponsorship packages. We get millions, and I’m not exaggerating, of views on social, many many articles of press coverage so sponsorships have a huge value. Get involved!
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