BRITs Week 26 for War Child, delivered by DHL, reached a spectacular crescendo last night as the iconic Robbie Williams took the stage at Manchester’s Aviva Studios. The performance served as the grand finale to a week-long series of intimate shows, proving to be a fitting homecoming for the pop titan as the BRIT Awards leave London for the first time in their nearly 50-year history.
Williams’ commanding presence reminded the capacity crowd why he remains one of the UK’s most enduring entertainers. His show-stopping set seamlessly blended nostalgia with modern flair, featuring tracks from his seminal debut album, Life Thru A Lens, alongside hits from his recent chart-topping record, BRITPOP. The atmosphere was electric, bolstered by a high-energy opening set from local favorites and Manchester-based pop outfit, The Lottery Winners.
This year’s BRITs Week marked a new era for the concert series, expanding its footprint across the UK with performances in Newcastle, Edinburgh, Nottingham, Brighton, and London. By moving the awards to Manchester, the initiative allowed fans nationwide to witness world-class talent in venues far more intimate than the usual arenas.
Beyond the music, the evening carried a profound weight. All proceeds from the tour are dedicated to War Child’s essential humanitarian work. Currently, over 520 million children globally—one in five—are living in conflict zones, making this the deadliest time in history to be a child. The funds raised provide life-saving protection, education, and specialist mental health support to those whose lives have been shattered by war.
As the final notes rang out in Manchester, the success of the night stood as a testament to the power of the British music industry to effect change. For the fans in attendance, it was an unforgettable opportunity to see a legend at close range while directly contributing to the rebuilding of young lives across the globe.
Photo credit: Aaron Parsons Photography
