BRIT Awards 2026 to host first ever BRITs Fringe programme in Manchester

This year’s edition of the BRIT Awards is set to be an event of firsts; not only will it be the first time that the awards show will take place outside of London, but it’ll now also include a very special BRITs Fringe programme, taking place in the days ahead of the ceremony.

Curated by local music development organisation Brighter Sound - in collaboration with Manchester Music City and supported by Manchester City Council, GMCA and the Manchester Accommodation BID - the BRITs Fringe aims to celebrate the city’s rich musical history and incredible current grassroots scene (all under the banner of ‘Manchester Seen and Heard’), via a series of events, culminating in a full day music forum and showcase, FRINGE LAB.

Taking place at the city’s New Century Hall on Friday 27th February, the FRINGE LAB will bring together an array of emerging artists, industry names and creatives for a series of talks, workshops, drop-in sessions and more. The day will then conclude will a special live showcase, featuring some of the city’s brightest local acts, and future BRIT winning hopefuls. Tickets for FRINGE LAB are on sale now.

Alongside the FRINGE LAB, other elements of the programme will include a trio of events across Band on the Wall, the School of Digital Arts (SODA) and the Royal Northern College of Music, all targeted at supporting young people who hope to pursue careers in the music industry, while a collaborative project with Manchester’s music education service will take BRITs Fringe into schools across the city.

Speaking of this year’s BRITs Fringe, Kate Lowes, Director at Brighter Sound, has said: “We’re incredibly proud to be delivering the very first BRITs Fringe, and it feels especially fitting that it’s happening in Manchester – known for its long history of being a true ‘city of firsts’. We’re also delighted to be working with a steering group of incredible Greater Manchester creatives and music professionals from the Manchester Music City network and the Greater Manchester Music Commission to ensure the BRITs Fringe is rooted in local scenes.”

What’s more, DIY is thrilled to be helping to support this year’s edition of the BRITs Fringe, so will be sharing an array of news and content in the lead up to the event. Keep your eyes peeled for the full programme announcement soon, and head here for more info in the meantime.