For the first time in its history, The BRIT Awards with Mastercard 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.
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 supports the BRIT School in south London and nationwide music therapy charity Nordoff & Robbins, among other organisations adjacent to the music industry.
Mastercard will continue their long-standing headline sponsorship – which is now in its 28th year, and ITV will continue to be The BRITs’ official broadcaster, now going into their 33rd year, with both partnerships continuing to support and boost The BRITs’ vision and values.
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