In a historic shift, The BRIT Awards with Mastercard will move out of London for the first time, heading north to Manchester. This renowned celebration of British music will take place at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena in 2026 and 2027, ushering in a fresh era for the iconic event after nearly 50 years in the capital. The 2026 ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, 28th February, and will be broadcast exclusively on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player.
Manchester’s rich musical heritage is legendary, having produced countless iconic and contemporary acts such as Oasis, The Smiths, Harry Styles, The Stone Roses, Joy Division, New Order, Happy Mondays, Take That, The 1975, Aitch, Blossoms, and Courteeners. The city has created defining cultural moments, from the Madchester scene and the Haçienda club to Factory Records, and continues to nurture a vibrant independent music scene that champions emerging talent. Hosting The BRIT Awards will add to this proud musical legacy and represents a significant milestone for Co-op Live, the UK’s newest live entertainment venue, which has garnered praise since opening in May 2024.
This move is not only a cultural milestone but also a significant boost for Manchester’s economy and wider growth. Hosting The BRIT Awards will attract thousands of visitors, media attention, and investment to the city, benefiting local businesses, hospitality, and tourism. It will also create new opportunities for local talent and industry professionals, strengthening Manchester’s position as a creative and economic powerhouse beyond music. The event highlights the city’s ongoing transformation into a vibrant hub for arts, entertainment, and innovation, driving long-term growth and reinforcing its reputation on the national and global stage.
The year 2026 will also mark the beginning of The BRIT Awards’ three-year tenure under Sony Music UK, who took over from Warner Music UK following this year’s festivities.
Jason Iley MBE, Chairman and CEO of 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, added:
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.”
DIB Chair and Chief Executive Frank McKenna said:
“This reaffirms Manchester’s position as the major regional city in the UK. It is a fantastic win for Co-op Live, and I know the BRITs will be suitable impressed with what the venue – and Manchester – has to offer. Hats off to all of those who have worked hard to get this premier event to the north.”
Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said:
This is a massive boost for Manchester and we are delighted that The BRITs will be coming here for the first time in its history. 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. We have got here through a great partnership between the BPI, Co-op Live, Sony Music as well as our own businesses in the city and we hope this is the beginning of a long and successful partnership.”
