After nearly five decades in the capital, The BRIT Awards with Mastercard are set to embark on a bold new chapter, moving north to Manchester’s Co-op Live for the 2026 and 2027 ceremonies. This groundbreaking decision marks the first time in the event’s history that the UK’s biggest night in music will be hosted outside London. The 2026 show is confirmed for Saturday, February 28th, and will be broadcast live on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player.
Manchester, a city steeped in musical heritage, offers a fitting new home for the iconic awards. Renowned globally for producing legendary acts like Oasis, The Smiths, Harry Styles, and The 1975, and for pioneering cultural movements from Madchester to the Hacienda, its vibrant scene continues to foster new talent. This move further solidifies Manchester’s legacy, marking another milestone for Co-op Live, the UK’s cutting-edge new entertainment arena that opened its doors in May 2024.
Jason Iley MBE, Chairman and CEO of Sony Music UK & Ireland, who spearheaded the relocation under their three-year stewardship, expressed his excitement: “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.” Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham echoed this sentiment, calling the move a “massive coup” and vowing to “pull out all the stops” to ensure a stylish celebration in the “UK capital of music and culture.”
The BRITs will continue its vital fundraising efforts for The BRIT Trust, supporting music education and well-being initiatives nationwide, maintaining its long-standing partnerships with Mastercard and ITV.
