The BRIT Awards are heading to Manchester for the first time ever, following a landmark two-year agreement announced this morning.
This deal will see seminal rock and pop party, sponsored by Mastercard, leave the capital after 48 years, in a “massive coup for Greater Manchester,” with the UK’s most anticipated music awards ceremony taking place at Manchester’s Co-op Live in 2026 and 2027.
The shift symbolises a “bold new chapter for the legendary event, following nearly five decades in London and 15 years at The O2 arena,” organisers said.
The BRIT Awards 2026 has been confirmed for Saturday February 28 2026, although the email sent out by the venue this morning advertised February 28, 2025, which obviously has already happened, and the event is set to be televised live on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player.
Historically BRITs gatherings have attracted music royalty, with famous performances by acts such as Madonna, Coldplay, Adele, Kylie Minogue, Stormzy, Raye, Ed Sheeran, and recent performances by Charli XCX and Sabrina Carpenter at the 2025 event.
A statement released by event organisers paid homage to Manchester for its “deep and rich roots in music”, giving a nod to a mix of iconic and contemporary musicians including The Smiths, Harry Styles, The Stone Roses, Joy Division, New Order, Happy Mondays, Take That, The 1975, Aitch, Blossoms, Courteeners and Oasis, who are set to play five huge gigs at Heaton Park this summer.
Sony Music UK took over the running of the awards from Warners after this year’s awards, and chairman and CEO Jason Iley MBE, 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.”
Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham 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.”
Co-op Live previously hosted the MTV EMAs, in November, for the first time in Manchester and last week marked its first year of operation in the city.
Tim Leiweke, the CEO and co-founder of Oak View Group which owns the venue, 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 backs the BRIT School in South London and nationwide music therapy charity Nordoff and Robbins, among other organisations connected to the music industry. Mastercard is set to continue its lengthy partnership as the leading sponsor of The BRITs for the 28th year, while ITV continues as the official broadcaster of the awards ceremony for their 33rd year.
