The BRIT Awards have revealed the first look at BRITs Fringe, a new programme of events taking place across Manchester in the lead-up to the 2026 ceremony.
BRITs Fringe has been created to celebrate both the city’s musical heritage and highlight new and emerging talent. Under the theme ‘Manchester Seen and Heard’, the programme aims to connect local creatives with industry professionals.
Delivered by Manchester-based music development organisation Brighter Sound in collaboration with Manchester Music City, and supported by Manchester City Council, GMCA and the Manchester Accommodation BID, the initiative will feature events designed to champion the region’s cultural identity.
At the centre of the schedule is FRINGE LAB, a one-day industry forum, mixer and showcase taking place at New Century Hall on 27 February. FRINGE LAB will bring together artists, industry leaders and creative practitioners for talks, workshops, masterclasses and discussions, concluding with a public showcase of four emerging Manchester artists tipped as potential future BRIT Award winners.
Brighter Sound will also host First Steps sessions at Band on the Wall, Manchester Metropolitan University’s School of Digital Arts (SODA) and the Royal Northern College of Music. A further project with the city’s music education service will take BRITs Fringe activity into schools.
“We’re excited to launch the first programme of BRITs Fringe events, helping to unlock opportunities and reach the creative communities within Manchester,” said Stacey Tang, Chair of the 2026 BRIT Awards Committee and Co-President of RCA Records at Sony Music UK.
“The BRIT Awards have a strong history of championing music education, and these events will give local communities a chance to be part of the biggest night in British music, while highlighting the region’s unique culture and talent.”
Kate Lowes, Director at Brighter Sound, 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.’ Brighter Sound has always supported and championed underrepresented creative voices and aims to make music-making accessible, inclusive, and rooted in community.”
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, added: “Manchester is known the world over for music and for the musical talent that has come out of the city – which is why The BRITs and Manchester are such a perfect fit for each other. This year’s first-ever BRITs Fringe looks set to build brilliantly on this by providing some incredible additional opportunities in the run-up to the awards.”
Dr Jo Twist OBE, BPI Chief Executive, said: “The BRIT Awards are as much about the lasting cultural and economic impact they help to create, as they are presenting a compelling global platform to showcase the next generation of brilliant new talent. We want the fans to know this is as much their event, and to encourage them to embrace all that The BRIT Awards with Mastercard will bring to Manchester.”
The announcement arrived alongside confirmation that Bring on the BRITs with Mastercard: The 2026 Nominations will be streamed on the BRITs’ Instagram and Facebook from 5pm on Wednesday 21 January.
Bring on the BRITs with Mastercard: The 2026 Nominations will be hosted by Sarah Story and Charley Marlowe from Co-op Live and will include interviews with nominees and a performance from the 2026 Critics’ Choice winner.
Sarah Story said: “The BRITs is THE most iconic night in British music so it’s an honour to be hosting the nominations announcement and winner interviews on the night. I’ll get that first conversation with the artists when they receive their award! How exciting is that?!”
Charley Marlowe added: “To be celebrating such incredible musical talent is one thing, but to do it in Manchester is just frabjous. All the stars can rest assured knowing they’ve got the warmest of welcomes waiting for them up here.”
WhatsApp has been announced as the 2026 official voting partner, with the public able to vote for Song of the Year with Mastercard and International Song of the Year exclusively through the BRITs WhatsApp channel.
This year’s award trophy has been designed by Matthew Williamson, inspired by Manchester’s worker bee emblem and featuring amber-toned resin atop a globe.
Alongside BRITs Fringe, BRITs Week 26 for War Child has announced its initial lineup, with shows taking place across more UK cities than ever before. The series raises money to support children affected by conflict and will include performances from Fatboy Slim, Lambrini Girls, Myles Smith, Jack Savoretti and Katherine Jenkins OBE, kwn, Josh Baker, Rossi., and Jacob Alon.
Manchester will host two BRITs Week events, both at YES: Josh Baker on 25 February and Rossi. on 26 February.
The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard will take place on Saturday 28 February at Co-op Live, marking the first time the ceremony has been held outside London in its nearly 50-year history.
For more information, on the fringe events, click here…
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