The sonic odyssey of BRITs Week 26, delivered by DHL for War Child, reached new heights last night as space-rock pioneers Spiritualized took over EartH in Hackney. Delivering a performance described as "commanding" and "thunderous," the 90s icons proved exactly why they remain one of the most vital live acts in British music.
The Hackney theatre was transformed into a wall of sound as J Spaceman and his band guided an entranced crowd through a career-spanning set. The evening was anchored by sprawling fan favorites, including the ethereal "Shine a Light," the gritty "Cop Shoot Cop…," and the psychedelic masterclasses of "Let It Flow" and "Pure Phase." In the intimate, art-deco surroundings of EartH, the band's signature "wall of sound" created a truly immersive experience, with fans hanging onto every note of the expansive set.
This one-off performance is a key highlight of the BRITs Week 26 series, which leads up to The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard in Manchester on February 28th. For its 50th-anniversary year, the ceremony is moving outside of the capital for the first time, prompting an expanded BRITs Week that has brought exclusive shows to Newcastle, Edinburgh, Nottingham, Brighton, and London.
While the music takes center stage, the heart of the series is its mission to support War Child. All proceeds go toward providing life-saving aid, education, and mental health support for the 520 million children—1 in 5 globally—currently living in conflict zones. By attending these intimate shows or entering the £10 prize draw for tickets, fans are directly contributing to rebuilding young lives in the world’s most dangerous regions.
The momentum continues tomorrow, February 20th, as The K’s take the stage at Gorilla in Manchester. The series then moves into its final, high-stakes phase next week with a heavyweight lineup featuring Olivia Dean, Myles Smith, and a massive Manchester headline from Robbie Williams.
A limited number of tickets remain for select shows, and the prize draw remains open. This is a rare opportunity to see world-class talent in small-scale venues while standing up for the rights of children affected by war.
