The momentum of BRITs Week 26, delivered by DHL for War Child, reached a fever pitch last night as Myles Smith took over Nottingham’s Rescue Rooms. The singer-songwriter, who was crowned the BRITs Rising Star winner in 2025, captivated a packed house with a high-energy performance that served as a homecoming of sorts for the skyrocketing star.
Supported by Nottingham native Saint Raymond, Smith powered through a setlist of fan favorites that kept the crowd on their feet from start to finish. The evening was anchored by the massive success of "Stargazing," alongside infectious tracks like "Nice to Meet You" and "Stay (If You Wanna Dance)." The intimate setting of the Rescue Rooms offered fans a rare, up-close look at an artist who has quickly become one of the most exciting names in British music.
The show marks the beginning of the final phase of the BRITs Week series, which leads up to The BRIT Awards 2026 this Saturday. For the first time in nearly 50 years, the awards ceremony will move outside the capital to Manchester, and the BRITs Week lineup has expanded accordingly. Performances are taking place across Newcastle, London, Edinburgh, Nottingham, Brighton, and Manchester to bring the celebration to fans nationwide.
Beyond the music, the series serves a vital humanitarian purpose. All proceeds from the shows benefit War Child, an organization providing essential aid, education, and mental health support to children living in conflict zones. With over 520 million children globally currently affected by war, the funds raised from these intimate gigs directly contribute to rebuilding lives and standing up for children's rights.
The series continues tonight, February 25th, with a diverse array of shows. Jack Savoretti and Katherine Jenkins OBE will perform at London’s Emerald Theatre, while kwn takes over Patterns in Brighton and Josh Baker plays YES in Manchester. High-profile shows from Olivia Dean and Robbie Williams are still to come as the UK's biggest night in music approaches.
Photo credit: Aaron Parsons
