The BRIT Awards with Mastercard will be held in Manchester for the first time EVER in 2026, it’s been announced.
The move marks the iconic award show’s first ceremony outside of the capital since it began, just under five decades ago. The event, which celebrates the best of British music and artists from the UK and beyond, first took place in 1977 and has called London’s O2 Arena home for the last 15 years.
It has now been confirmed that The BRIT Awards with Mastercard will take place at the Co-op Live in Manchester for the next two years. Music stars from across the globe will descend on the city on Saturday 28 February 2026, with the ceremony’s 50th anniversary celebrated the following year.
This year, Charli XCX (who performs at Parklife at Heaton Park this Sunday) took home five awards, including Best Artist, Best Album, and Song of the Year. Jade Thirlwall took the top prize in the Best Pop Act category, while US pop star Sabrina Carpenter was given the Global Success Award.
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 BRIT Awards with Mastercard takes place at Manchester’s Co-op Live on Saturday 28 February 2026.
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