Brit Awards to leave London for Manchester after 48 years

The Brit Awards, one of the UK's most prestigious music award ceremonies, is set to leave London for Manchester after nearly five decades. The 2026 ceremony will be held at Manchester's Co-op Live arena on February 28, marking the first time the event has taken place outside London since its inception in 1977. This move is part of a two-year deal, meaning the 2027 Brit Awards, which will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the event, will also be hosted in Manchester. The decision reflects a desire to bring the awards closer to fans across the UK and to celebrate the rich musical heritage of cities beyond the capital.

Dr Jo Twist, CEO of the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), which organizes the Brit Awards, explained that while London has been a fantastic home for nearly 50 years, it is now time to make a bold leap to other parts of the country. Manchester, with its vibrant music scene and strong support network of grassroots venues, was a natural choice. The city has a deep musical legacy, having produced many successful artists and bands who have been recognized at the Brit Awards over the years. Manchester's mayor, Andy Burnham, welcomed the move, calling it a 'massive coup' and promising that the city would do everything possible to prove the BPI's decision was the right one.

The Brit Awards began in 1977 as the British Record Industry Britannia Awards, created to honor the best music released during Queen Elizabeth II's reign. The first ceremony was held at the Wembley Conference Centre in London, with iconic winners like Queen and The Beatles. Over the years, the awards became an annual event, moving through various prestigious London venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and the Hammersmith Apollo. The past 15 ceremonies have been held at the O2 Arena in London. Manchester has a strong connection to the Brit Awards, with artists like Take That, Robbie Williams, Simply Red, and The Chemical Brothers all winning multiple awards. The move to Manchester is expected to bring new energy to the event and highlight the city's important role in the UK's music industry. This change also follows the Mercury Prize's recent announcement to move to Newcastle, signaling a broader trend of major music events expanding beyond London.