Brit Awards in huge shake-up as show makes massive change for the first time in 46 year history
THE BRIT Awards are facing a huge shake-up for the first time in its 46-year history.
The annual music ceremony is leaving London for the first time ever.
As part of a new strategy move, Manchester will become the home of the ceremony – with the city’s Co-Op Live hosting the awards in 2026 and 2027.
A new partnership means the iconic ceremony will be heading up North for the first time ever.
Since 2011, it has been held at The O2 Arena and was held at iconic London venues including Earls Court and the Royal Albert Hall prior to that.
2026 marks the first year under a new three-year stewardship under Sony Music UK who will oversee the ceremony’s transition to Manchester.
The first ceremony to be held at Europe‘s biggest indoor arena – the Co-Op Live – will take place on Saturday 28th February and be broadcast on ITV.
The BRITs will also unveil a new chair of their commitee as part of deal with Sony Music UK at a later date.
This role includes overseeing all aspects of the show including performer bookings, hosts, show creative and categories, will be announced at a later date.
Speaking of the news, Jason Iley MBE, Chairman and CEO at 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.”
Bev Craig, the 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 UK 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.”
Successful artists to emerge from Manchester include The Stone Roses, Joy Division, New Order, Happy Mondays, Take That, The 1975 and Aitch.
The city is also home to Oasis with rumours likely to go into overdrive that the Gallagher brothers could perform at next year’s ceremony in their home city following the completion of their iconic reunion tour later this year.
Mastercard will continue their long-standing headline sponsorship of the ceremony which will mark their 28th year supporting the event.
Further information on nominees and ceremony performers are expected to be announced in 2026.
This year’s ceremony was dominated by Charli XCX who picked up five awards for her iconic Brat album.
Sabrina Carpenter and Jade were among the performers at the event held at The O2 Arena.