The celebration of British music moves north after almost five decades in London
For the first time in history, and almost fifty years since its first ever ceremony, The BRIT Awards with Mastercard is leaving the capital and bringing its electrifying evening of musical celebration and performance to Manchester’s Co-op Live arena.
The iconic event will be hosted in the city for at least two years (2026 and 2027), with the The BRIT Awards 2026 show taking place on Saturday 28 February and being broadcast exclusively on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.
With its rich musical heritage, Manchester has birthed some of the biggest, most impactful bands and artists the world has seen, from Oasis and The Stone Roses to The Smiths and Joy Division, The 1975, Blossoms, Courteeners and more.
2026 will be the first of three years under the stewardship of Sony Music UK, who spearheaded the move to Manchester. The Chair of the BRITs Committee, who oversees all aspects of the show including performer bookings, hosts, show creative and categories, will be announced at a later date.
Jason Iley MBE, Chairman and CEO, Sony Music UK & Ireland said: “This is a very exciting time for The BRIT Awards. Moving to Manchester, the home of some of the most iconic and defining artists of our lifetime, will invigorate the show and build on the BRITs legacy of celebrating and reinvesting in world-class music. Hosting the show in Manchester, with its vibrant cultural history, perfectly captures the spirit and energy of the BRIT Awards. I can’t wait to see the show at the amazing state-of-the art Co-op Live venue.”
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester said: “For The BRIT Awards to move out of London is a massive coup for Greater Manchester. After 48 years, it is great that this prestigious global event is about to arrive in the UK capital of music and culture.
Greater Manchester has an unparalleled music heritage known around the world, and this summer will play host to some of the biggest gigs on the planet. That was only made possible by our strong commitment to new talent and giving emerging artists the opportunities to make their name.
We thank our friends at the BPI for choosing Manchester and we will pull out all the stops to show they made the right decision. Celebrating the BRIT Awards right here in the home of 24 hour party people is the next chapter in its story and you can be sure that we will help them do it in style.”
Tim Leiweke, Co-Founder and CEO of Oak View Group said: “The BRITs are the most important music event in the UK and were always the highlight of the year, not only because of its immense cultural contribution, but because of their commitment to improving the lives of youth through music. It is our honour to partner with our friends at BPI and Sony Music, alongside the great city of Manchester, to host the BRITs at Co-op Live and join in their mission to create opportunities for youth through music. With Co-op Live, Manchester is embarking on another chapter in its rich musical journey, and others will soon learn what we know to be true, that Manchester is one of the greatest emerging markets in the UK for business, music and culture”.
The BRITs in 2026 and 2027 will continue to raise funds to support education and well-being for young people through The BRIT Trust, which supports the BRIT School in south London and nationwide music therapy charity Nordoff & Robbins, among other organisations adjacent to the music industry.
Mastercard will continue their long-standing headline sponsorship - which is now in its 28th year, and ITV will continue to be The BRITs’ official broadcaster, now going into their 33rd year, with both partnerships continuing to support and boost The BRITs’ vision and values.
Further campaign announcements will be made in the coming months. For more information, visit Brits.co.uk.
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