BRIT Awards 2026 Heads North: Manchester to Host the Show for the First Time Ever!
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Big news, music lovers! The BRIT Awards with Mastercard is packing its bags and heading up north for the very first time. Yep, you heard it right — after nearly five decades in London, the UK’s glitziest night in music is heading to Manchester’s sparkling new Co-op Live arena for the 2026 and 2027 shows. And guess what? We even have a date for the 2026 bash — mark your diaries for Saturday, 28th February!
So, what’s prompted this massive shake-up? Well, it’s all down to Sony Music UK, which is now steering the ship for the next three years. Jason Iley MBE, Chairman and CEO of Sony Music UK and Ireland, said he’s buzzing to bring the show to Manchester, home to legends like Oasis, The Smiths, and a certain 24-hour party spirit. “This is a very exciting time for The BRIT Awards,” he said. “Manchester has given us some of the most iconic and defining artists of our lifetime, and hosting the show there will invigorate the event like never before.”
I mean, can you imagine a BRIT Awards in the land of Madchester, the home of factory records, and a skyline lit by disco balls and indie anthems? Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester — and local music champion — is just as chuffed, calling it a “massive coup” for the region. “Celebrating the BRIT Awards here is the next chapter in its story,” he grinned. “And you can be sure we’ll help them do it in style.”
The venue itself is a pretty swish affair too. Co-op Live only opened its doors in May 2024 — right in the Etihad Campus, next to Manchester City’s stadium — and it’s already the talk of the live music scene. This move feels like a homecoming gig for UK music — after all, Manchester has always worn its rock ‘n’ roll heart on its sleeve.
And let’s not forget the 2025 BRIT Awards, where Charli xcx went full brat mode and scooped up five trophies (mic drop moment), while other faves like Sabrina Carpenter, Stormzy, Myles Smith, and the unstoppable RAYE all took home gongs. Hosted by Jack Whitehall, it was one epic night — think killer performances from JADE, Teddy Swims, Sam Fender, and more.
But now, all eyes are on 2026 — Manchester, we’re ready for ya! Keep your phones charged and your dancing shoes at the ready. The BRIT Awards is heading north for a brand-new era, and if the city’s musical heritage is anything to go by, we’re in for one hell of a party.
So, bring on the 28th of February 2026 — we’re counting down the days!
