The BRIT Awards moves to Manchester for 2026

The BRIT Awards with Mastercard is, for the first time in five decades, journeying north to Manchester, hosting its iconic celebration at the city’s Co-op Live arena on Saturday 28 February 2026.

This will be the first of three years under the stewardship of Sony Music UK, who spearheaded the move to Manchester, marking a bold new chapter for the major music event. The ceremony will be broadcast exclusively on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.

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.”

Manchester has frequently been referred to as the “music capital” of the UK. From the early days of pioneering post punk, to the acid house movement that sweated its way out of the Hacienda and onto the streets of the city, Manchester has been the birthplace of many culturally significant moments in music.

This new partnership between the city with an indisputable musical legacy and one of the biggest nights in UK music and entertainment will continue to spotlight talent on a global scale, evolving what The BRIT Awards can be as it nears five decades of championing new music.

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.”