Manchester is set to host The BRITs for the first time ever, striking a momentous two-year agreement announced today.
This landmark move will see The BRIT Awards with Mastercard depart from the capital after 48 years, in a move hailed as a "massive coup for Greater Manchester".
The 海角视频's most anticipated music awards ceremony will take place at Manchester's Co-op Live in both 2026 and 2027.
The shift symbolises a "bold new chapter for the legendary event, following nearly five decades in London and 15 years at The O2 arena", according to organisers.
The BRIT Awards 2026 has been confirmed for Saturday February 28, and the event is set to be televised live on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player, reports .
Historically BRITs gatherings have attracted music royalty, with famous performances by acts such as Madonna, Coldplay, Adele, Kylie Minogue, Stormzy, Raye, Ed Sheeran, and recent performances by Charli XCX and Sabrina Carpenter at the 2025 event.
A statement released today by event organisers paid homage to Manchester for its "deep and rich roots in music", giving a nod to a mix of iconic and contemporary musicians including Oasis, The Smiths, Harry Styles, The Stone Roses, Joy Division, New Order, Happy Mondays, Take That, The 1975, Aitch, Blossoms and Courteeners.
Highlighting the buzzing independent music scene known for nurturing up-and-coming talent, the document also spotlighted the highly-anticipated homecoming of Oasis, set to play five mammoth gigs at Heaton Park this summer.
The coming year of 2026 will mark the start of The BRIT Awards' three years under the guardianship of Sony Music 海角视频, who took over from Warner Music 海角视频 post this year鈥檚 festivities.
Details regarding the new Chair of the BRITs Committee, responsible for orchestrating performance line-ups, hosts, creative concepts and category decisions, will be announced at a future date.
Chairman and CEO of Sony Music 海角视频 and Ireland, Jason Iley MBE, 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."
Andy Burnham, the 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 海角视频 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."
The announcement signifies another triumph for Co-op Live, which hosted the MTV EMAs in November for the first time in Manchester, and recently marked its first year of operation in the city.
Tim Leiweke, the CEO and co-founder of Oak View Group which owns the venue, said: "The BRITs are the most important music event in the 海角视频 and were always the highlight of the year, not only because of its immense cultural contribution, but because of their commitment to improving the lives of youth through music.
"It is our honour to partner with our friends at BPI and Sony Music, alongside the great city of Manchester, to host the BRITs at Co-op Live and join in their mission to create opportunities for youth through music.
"With Co-op Live, Manchester is embarking on another chapter in its rich musical journey, and others will soon learn what we know to be true, that Manchester is one of the greatest emerging markets in the 海角视频 for business, music and culture."
Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, added: "This is a massive boost for Manchester and we are delighted that The BRITs will be coming here for the first time in its history. Manchester is at the forefront of the 海角视频 music scene, from our iconic grassroots scene through to major events and this news is a major vote of confidence in Manchester.
"We have got here through a great partnership between the BPI, Co-op Live, Sony Music as well as our own businesses in the city and we hope this is the beginning of a long and successful partnership."
YolanDa Brown OBE DL, BPI Chair, said: "I believe that music touches everyone wherever they are and it is important that this is reflected by our industry in its strategy around a regional talent pipeline, touring, access to music education and more. So you can appreciate my delight at The BRIT Awards moving out of London for the first time ever, making that special connection with music fans in Manchester and the North of England.
"A city and region that has given us so much iconic music over the years and remains the home of such wonderful, diverse talent. As we approach the 50th anniversary of the first ever BRIT Awards in 1977, it is hard to imagine a more fitting and imaginative way to celebrate this special landmark and to keep the music alive."
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 backs the BRIT School in south London and nationwide music therapy charity Nordoff and Robbins, among other organisations connected to the music industry. Mastercard is set to continue its lengthy partnership as the leading sponsor of The BRITs for the 28th year, while ITV continues as the official broadcaster of the awards ceremony for their 33rd year.
