The Brit Awards are making a huge change to the ceremony for the first time in nearly 50 years by relocating the entire show.
This year’s biggest night in music lived up to usual dramatic expectations, with Charli XCX proving Brat is forever with five wins.
Elsewhere, Sabrina Carpenter’s racy performance got plenty of Ofcom complaints, and Jack Whitehall’s joke failed to land with Becky Hill.
Next year, on Saturday, February 28, the prestigious ceremony will take place in Manchester – the first time in the history of the Brits.
London has played host for the past four decades but Manchester’s Co-op Live arena has been chosen for the 2026 and 2027 ceremonies.
‘For the Brit Awards to move out of London is a massive coup for Greater Manchester,’ said Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester.
He continued: ‘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.’
The Co-op Live arena was opened last year — with some teething issues — but has quickly become a major gig location for the likes of Olivia Rodrigo, Robbie Williams, and Pulp.
Of course, Manchester’s Heaton Park will see one of the biggest shows of 2025 as Oasis reunite for the first time in 16 years in their hometown.
‘That was only made possible by our strong commitment to new talent and giving emerging artists the opportunities to make their name,’ the mayor added.
‘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.’
The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) is the trade body for the UK’s music industry.
The move isn’t the only shake up for the biggest night in British music as the Brit Awards 2026 will be the first of three years under the stewardship of Sony Music UK.
Jason Iley, chairman and chief executive of 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.’
The 2026 ceremony on Saturday February 28 will be broadcast exclusively on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.
Mastercard will continue its long-standing headline sponsorship, now in its 28th year.
Charli XCX was the stand-out star at this year’s Brit Awards at London’s O2 Arena, taking home five awards including album of the year for her sixth studio release, Brat.
US pop star Sabrina Carpenter was the recipient of the global success award, while former Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall collected the best pop act award.
US pop star Chappell Roan won international song of the year for Good Luck, Babe!
Co-op Live is currently Britain’s biggest indoor arena and opened in May 2024 after several delays.
British band Elbow opened the 23,500-capacity venue and since then acts including Sir Paul McCartney and Charli XCX have held gigs.
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