The BRIT Awards will be held in Manchester for first time in its history in huge TWO YEAR deal
The BRIT Awards will be hosted in Manchester in 2026 and 2027 with next year's date already announced
Manchester will host The BRITs for the first time in the music awards show's history in a huge two year deal that can be revealed today.
It will see The BRIT Awards with Mastercard ceremony leave the capital for the first time in 48 years and make its way north in what is being described as a "massive coup for Greater Manchester".
Known as the most high profile music awards ceremony in the UK, the show will take place at Manchester’s Co-op Live in both 2026 and 2027.
Organisers say it marks a "bold new chapter for the legendary event, following nearly five decades in London and 15 years at The O2 arena".
The date has also now been confirmed for The BRIT Awards 2026, taking place on Saturday February 28, and will broadcast exclusively on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player live that night.
It will mean the eyes of the nation will be trained on Manchester as some of the biggest stars in music descend on the city for the annual roll call of the industry's best of the best.
Previous ceremonies have welcomed the great and the good from the world of music, with memorable performances from the likes of Madonna, Coldplay, Adele, Kylie Minogue, Stormzy, Raye, Ed Sheeran and at the 2025 ceremony from Charli XCX and Sabrina Carpenter.
In a statement from organisers released today, Manchester is praised for its "deep and rich roots in music" with nods to iconic and contemporary artists and bands, citing Oasis, The Smiths, Harry Styles, The Stone Roses, Joy Division, New Order, Happy Mondays, Take That, The 1975, Aitch, Blossoms and Courteeners.
The city's thriving independent music scene supporting emerging and new talent was also highlighted, while bosses also made reference to the hugely anticipated return of Manchester's own Oasis this summer for five huge Heaton Park gigs.
2026 will see The BRIT Awards head into the first of three years under the stewardship of Sony Music UK, who picked up the baton from Warner Music UK after this year’s show.
The Chair of the BRITs Committee, who oversees all aspects of the show including performer bookings, hosts, show creative and categories, will be announced at a later date.
Jason Iley MBE, Chairman and CEO, Sony Music UK & Ireland said today: "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, 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 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.
"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 is also a huge coup for Co-op Live, fresh from hosting the MTV EMAs in November for the first time in Manchester, and just weeks after celebrating its first year of operation in the city.
Tim Leiweke, Co-Founder and CEO of the venue's Oak View Group owners, said: "The BRITs are the most important music event in the UK 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 UK for business, music and culture."
Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “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.”
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Further statements were provided by members of the BPI and BRITS committe. Dr Jo Twist OBE said: "The BRIT Awards have helped to tell the story of British music in all its brilliant diversity, capturing some of its most iconic moments, and this groundbreaking move to Manchester will only add to its rich legacy.
"This exciting new chapter celebrates not only the city’s exceptional musical heritage and its status as a powerhouse of British creativity, but the great depth of artistic energy and potential that exists all across the UK."
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 supports the BRIT School in south London and nationwide music therapy charity Nordoff & Robbins, among other organisations adjacent to the music industry.
Mastercard will continue their long-standing headline sponsorship - which is now in its 28th year, and ITV will continue to be The BRITs’ official broadcaster, now going into their 33rd year, with both partnerships continuing to support and boost The BRITs’ vision and values.
Katie Rawcliffe, Director of Entertainment & Daytime, added: "ITV is for everyone, no matter where in the UK you live. As someone who grew up in the North, I'm so excited that The BRITs is coming live from Manchester this year for the very first time in its 48 year rich musical history."
Further campaign announcements will be made in the coming months, including how members of the public can get hold of tickets to the eagerly-anticipated event.