For the first time in its history, The BRIT Awards will leave the capital and make its way north.
The iconic celebration of British music is set to electrify Manchester’s Co-op Live in 2026 and 2027, marking a bold new chapter for the legendary event, after nearly five decades in London. The BRIT Awards 2026 will take place on Saturday 28th February, broadcast exclusively on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.
Manchester has deep and rich roots in music; producing scores of iconic and contemporary artists and bands from 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 cultural moments from Mad-chester to the Haçienda and Factory Records, and has a thriving independent music scene to support emerging and new talent. This makes The BRIT Awards a welcome addition to its music legacy and the event marks another milestone in the journey of Co-op Live, the UK’s newest live entertainment arena, drawing acclaim from fans and artists alike since opening in May 2024.
As the world gears up for the highly anticipated tour this summer from Manchester’s prodigal sons Oasis, this groundbreaking new bond between one of the UK’s most industrious and thriving metropolitan cities and the biggest night in UK music and entertainment will continue to showcase the very best in not only British, but global music, creativity and talent, and evolve what The BRIT Awards can be as it nears five decades of championing new music.
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.”
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.”
