25 February 2027 | Hilton Park Lane, LONDON
The Arthur Awards – the most prestigious and highly anticipated annual awards of the global live music business – take place during ILMC week, with a broad music business audience in attendance.
Housed in a brand-new top-flight venue for 2027, the night sees 600 of the world’s top live music professionals – promoters, agents, venues, festivals, and more – come together as excitement builds, the winners are announced, and the golden statuettes are handed out.
Supported by:
Three decades of celebrating excellence
The Arthur Awards began as a tongue-in-cheek affair in 1995 but have grown over three decades to become known as the Oscars of the international live music business.
The finalists in each category are shortlisted from thousands of votes received from fellow live industry professionals from across the globe. Once the shortlist in each category is announced, the winners are selected by an open vote of live music professionals in addition to a closed jury vote.
The 'Off the Charts' Gala Dinner
The evening begins with a champagne reception before the real spectacle begins: a five-star, four-course banquet from the Hilton’s award-winning chefs, complemented by fine wines, all with illustrious company.
As anticipation builds, the spotlight shifts to the Arthur Awards themselves: eleven categories, countless nominees, and only one victor in each. The 2027 Awards will be hosted by The Arthurs’ longstanding host and conductor extraordinaire, Ms Emma Banks.
Arthur Award Highlights
Steve Sayer
Senior Vice President & General Manager
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The O2
Steve Sayer is senior vice president and general manager of The O2, leading the world’s most popular live entertainment venue. Under his management, The O2 delivered its third consecutive record-breaking year in 2025, hosting 239 performances at the 22,500-capacity arena and continuing to set the benchmark for innovation, fan experience, and sustainability.
As SVP & general manager, Steve, supported by his senior leadership team, is responsible for venue strategy and driving commercial growth, while ensuring The O2 remains a world-class destination. He is deeply committed to reinvesting in the venue to ensure it continually delivers a best-in-class experience for performers, partners and fans.
Steve joined The O2 in 2014 as commercial director, working closely with the AEG international leadership team to deliver major capital improvement projects, unlock new revenue streams, and enhance the destination.
In January 2026, Steve was appointed the new chair of the National Arenas Association. As chair, Steve will represent the interests of arenas across the UK. His priorities include working closely with the LIVE Association as it shapes the future strategy for live music and driving further engagement with government to influence policy and legislation impacting the sector.
Prior to joining The O2, Steve was operations director for Manchester City Football Club and oversaw match day and major event operations.
Outside of work, Steve is a big electronic music fan, passionate about live music, and a keen cyclist. He enjoys spending time with friends and family.
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