The BRIT Awards will move to Manchester in 2026 and 2027

The BRIT Awards has announced that the ceremony will move to Manchester. The awards, which have taken place in London for the past 48 years, will instead be hosted at Manchester’s Co-op Live in 2026 and 2027. The move also marks the first of a three year stewardship from Sony Music UK.  

Alongside the announcement of the move, the date for next year’s awards has also been revealed. The 2026 ceremony will be held on Saturday 28th February and will be broadcast on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.

Manchester boasts an impressive musical history, being home to an array of artists such as Joy Division, The Stone Roses, Oasis, New Order, The Smiths and many more. The forthcoming event will surely place the recently opened Co-op Live arena on the map as one of the go-to venues in the UK. 

“For The BRIT Awards to move out of London is a massive coup for Greater Manchester,” said Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham.  “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. That was only made possible by our strong commitment to new talent and giving emerging artists the opportunities to make their name,” he continued. 

“We will pull out all the stops to show they made the right decision,” the Mayor added. “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.”

More plans are set to be announced in the coming months, so watch this space!