Yellow Pencils: Why They Won

Be the first to discover this year’s Yellow Pencil-winning work.

Open to all, this extended showcase replaces traditional award announcements with an in-depth look at the very best creative projects of 2026. Join Jury Presidents as they take you inside their decisions, sharing why this work stood out and what creative excellence looks like at the highest level.

Alongside the reveal of this year’s Yellow Pencil-winning work, the evening will feature live DJs from Festival supporter Massive Music, a Happy Hour to start, and a post-announcement drinks reception until 11.30pm. 

Less stage photos, more learning: a rare opportunity to hear directly from the judges and understand the thinking behind the industry’s benchmark for creative excellence, and celebrate with the wider creative community.

NOTE: Yellow Pencil winners will not be invited on stage as part of the showcase, but will have the opportunity to collect their Yellow Pencil during the evening. Black Pencils and Companies of the Year will be announced in September at the 2026 Awards Ceremony.

Programme

18:00 – Doors open, with drinks and networking in the Foyer
19:00 – Yellow Pencils: Why They Won begins
22:00 – Post-show drinks reception with MassiveMusic
23:30 – Doors close

Drinks and networking will continue in the Foyer throughout the evening.

Ticket information

Further discounts are available for students, charities/non-profits, freelancers, small businesses with under 10 employees and retired people. We have also put aside free tickets for people who have recently been made redundant.

Please email festival@dandad.org for more information.

For more information on the programme, pricing and important booking FAQs, please visit to the D&AD website.