In an unprecedented move, The BRIT Awards with Mastercard will leave its London home for the first time in nearly five decades, heading north to Manchester’s Co-op Live for its 2026 and 2027 ceremonies. This iconic celebration of British music is set to take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, broadcast exclusively on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player.
This groundbreaking decision marks a bold new chapter for the BRITs, embracing Manchester's profound musical heritage. The city has long been a powerhouse of creativity, producing legendary acts from Oasis and The Smiths to Harry Styles and The 1975, and boasts a vibrant independent music scene. This rich history makes Manchester a fitting new home for the UK's biggest night in music. The move also signifies another major milestone for Co-op Live, the UK’s newest live entertainment arena, which has garnered widespread acclaim since its opening in May 2024.
Jason Iley MBE, Chairman and CEO, Sony Music UK & Ireland, who spearheaded the relocation, expressed his enthusiasm: "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."
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, echoed the sentiment, calling the move a "massive coup" for the region. "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," he stated. "We will pull out all the stops to show they made the right decision."
The BRITs’ commitment to supporting music education and wellbeing will continue through The BRIT Trust, which benefits institutions like The BRIT School and Nordoff & Robbins. Mastercard will maintain its long-standing headline sponsorship, now in its 28th year, with ITV also continuing as the official broadcaster. Further announcements regarding the 2026 ceremony, including the Chair of the BRITs Committee, are expected in the coming months.
