BRIT Awards 2026 to be held in Manchester for first time in 47 years
The iconic BRIT Awards will be held in Manchester for the first time in its 47 year history.
The biggest night in British music is set to grace the UK's largest indoor arena, Co-op Live, in 2026 and 2027, "marking a bold new chapter for the legendary event".
It will be the first time the awards ceremony, which brings together artists from around the world, will be held outside of London following its stint in the capital and 15 years at The O2 arena.
Organisers say the move will be a "welcome addition" to the city's "music legacy", which includes the likes of Oasis, The Smiths, Harry Styles, and Courteeners.
The BRIT Awards with Mastercard 2026 will take place on Saturday, 28 February, and will be broadcast exclusively on ITV1.
Jason Iley MBE, Chairman and CEO, Sony Music UK & Ireland said: "Moving to Manchester, the home of some of the most iconic and defining artists of our lifetime, will reinvigorate 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.'
There has been no confirmation on who will be performing at the BRIT Awards 2026.
Sabrina Carpenter, Teddy Swims, Lola Young and Sam Fender performed at last year's awards with Charli XCX winning five awards including artist, song and album of the year.
'Manchester is at the forefront of the UK music scene, from our iconic grassroots scene through to major events and this news is a major vote of confidence in Manchester," Leader of Manchester City Council Bev Craig said.
YolanDa Brown OBE DL, BPI Chair, added: "As we approach the 50th anniversary of the first ever BRIT Awards in 1977, it is hard to imagine a more fitting and imaginative way to celebrate this special landmark and to keep the music alive.'
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