BRIT Awards to move to Manchester for first time

For the first time in its history, The BRIT Awards with Mastercard will leave the capital and be hosted in Manchester, in recognition of the city-region’s history in producing British music.

The celebration of British music will be held at Manchester’s Co-op Live in 2026 and 2027, which opened last year as the UK’s largest indoor arena. The arena has since attracted global stars to the city, including most recently, Bruce Springsteen, who also recorded at a studio in Bredbury between performances. A recent economic impact report found that the arena has contributed £785.5 million to the UK economy in its first year of operations, around 39% has directly gone into the local economy in Greater Manchester.

Greater Manchester has deep and rich roots in music, having produced scores of iconic and contemporary artists and bands, from the likes of Oasis and The Smiths to Stockport’s own Blossoms, and has a thriving independent music scene to support emerging and new talent. This makes The BRIT Awards a welcome addition to its music legacy and the event marks another milestone in the journey of Co-op Live.

The BRIT Awards’ move to Manchester in 2026 comes at the start of a three-year stewardship by Sony Music UK. Jason Iley MBE, Chairman and CEO, Sony Music UK & Ireland said:

“This is a very exciting time for The BRIT Awards. 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. Hosting the show in Manchester, with its vibrant cultural history, perfectly captures the spirit and energy of the BRIT Awards. I can’t wait to see the show at the amazing state-of-the art Co-op Live venue.” 

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.”

Tim Leiweke, Co-Founder and CEO of Co-op Live owner, Oak View Group, said:

“The BRITs are the most important music event in the UK and were always the highlight of the year, not only because of its immense cultural contribution, but because of their commitment to improving the lives of youth through music.  It is our honour to partner with our friends at BPI and Sony Music, alongside the great city of Manchester, to host the BRITs at Co-op Live and join in their mission to create opportunities for youth through music.  With Co-op Live, Manchester is embarking on another chapter in its rich musical journey, and others will soon learn what we know to be true, that  Manchester is one of the greatest emerging markets in the UK  for business, music and culture”.