Music fans around the country are used to tuning into the BRIT Awards in the first quarter of the year to see which musicians have been recognised for their output over 12 months. And for the last 48 years, the ceremony would take place in London, but that’s all about to change next year.
It has just been announced that both the 2026 and 2027 awards will take place outside the capital city for the first time, moving over to Manchester‘s Co-op Live Arena. A statement detailed that next year’s awards will take place on February 28, and that the new arena in the north west of England would host the awards for two years as part of the new three-year deal, though details for the 2028 awards have not yet been revealed.
The last 15 ceremonies have been held at the O2 Arena in London, but the latest moves aims to celebrate the musical history of the city which has produced some of the most revered bands and artists of all time, from the days of Joy Division & The Smiths to the Haçienda and all the way up to the rise, the end, and rise again of Oasis, who will play their homecoming gigs at Heaton Park this summer on their comeback tour.
Speaking on the news, Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “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.
“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.”
This move also comes after the Mercury Music Prize announced their move to the north of England, with their ceremony taking place in Newcastle later this year. It follows last year’s awards, which saw Charli XCX take home the lion’s share of prizes with five awards following up ‘BRAT’ summer. Ezra Collective, JADE, The Last Dinner Party and Myles Smith were also among the winners on the night.
Speaking on the news, Jason Iley MBE, Chairman and CEO, 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 BRIT Awards will be hosted in Manchester next year at the Co-op Live arena on February 28, and it will be shown live on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.