Music fans have weighed in following today’s big announcement that the BRIT Awards will take place in Manchester for the first time in 2026.
The organisers of the UK’s biggest music awards have announced that, for the first time ever, the BRIT Awards will not be held in London. Starting next year, the honour will go to the country’s northern powerhouse — Manchester.
"We've had a fantastic history in London for nearly 50 years, and we just feel that now is the time to make a bold leap into other parts of the UK to the fans," the CEO of the British Phonographic Industry, Dr Jo Twist, said.
"Manchester has such a rich musical heritage, and it has a fantastic ecosystem of support there on the ground, including lots of amazing grassroots venues," Twist told the BBC.
Jason Isley, CEO of Sony Music U.K. & Ireland added: “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.”
Known for its thriving music and cultural scene, as well as famous artists like Oasis and The Stone Roses, Mancunians are seemingly thrilled at the news that the coveted event is heading north.
“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,” said Manchester mayor Andy Burnham.
But the news has been met with a mixed response online, with some expressing happiness about the move, while other social media users are seemingly frustrated that the coveted event will no longer be held in the capital.
“This is absolutely BRILLIANT news!!!! I’m so happy that the Brits are moving from London and SPREADING the music scene across the nation!!” wrote a cheerful social media user.
Another wrote: “We’re buzzing for this!” But not everyone seemed pleased.
“That’s such a downgrade. Why have you moved? It was in London for a reason. It’s the capital. Big artists are simply not going to go now,” fumed one Twitter user, while another questioned: “Do you really want to go to Manchester?”
So what do we know about the upcoming BRIT Awards?
What are the BRITs?
The BRIT Awards, sometimes referred to as the BRITs, are an annual music award event hosted by the British Phonographic Industry, which celebrates all things music in the UK.
First hosted in 1977, the BRITs have now become the country’s highest-profile music event, usually taking place around March in various London venues.
A number of well-known musicians have earned themselves multiple BRIT Awards, including Adele and Coldplay. Robbie Williams reportedly holds the record for the most BRIT Award accolades, having been awarded 13 awards for his solo work and five awards with Take That.
Not only does it showcase the very best music, but it also helps introduce fans to new and emerging talent and a new generation of music.
When are the BRITs?
The next BRIT Awards will take place on Saturday, 28th February 2026.
It’s understood that the award ceremony will be streamed on TV alongside the live event, so people can tune in to watch the show.
Where are the BRITs
Until 2025, the BRIT Awards had been held at London’s O2 arena, but that’s about to change.
The 2026 BRIT Awards will be taking place at the Co-op Live venue.
No details have been shared yet about what to expect from next year’s show, but more infromation is expected to be released in the coming months.
How to get tickets for the BRIT Awards
Music fans do have the chance to get their hands on tickets for next year’s event, but no details have been released just yet.
According to Co-op Live, music fans should sign up to be notified when more details about the tickets are released.
