For the first time in its 48-year history, the BRIT Awards are leaving London and heading to Manchester.
Per a partnership with Sony Music, the BRIT Awards are to be hosted at Co-op Live, Manchester, a venue that’s been open for just over a year, ending the award show’s 15-year tenure at The O2 Arena. The Co-op Live is the largest arena in the UK by capacity, with room for 23,500 people standing, situated in the Etihad Campus. For 2026 and 2027, Manchester will be the new home for the ceremony, but plans for 2028 have not yet been revealed.
A date has been confirmed for 2026’s show: 28 February, and the awards will be broadcast exclusively on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.
Chairman and CEO of Sony Music UK & Ireland, Jason Iley MBE, shared in a statement to the press: “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, shared his excitement over the new prospects for the city. “For the BRIT Awards to move out of London is a massive coup for Greater Manchester. After 47 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.”
Since their inception, the BRIT Awards have raised significant funds for the BRIT Trust, which is committed to supporting the arts and music education for young people. Beneficiaries include the BRIT School in Croydon, Nordoff and Robbins Music Therapy, and more. Long-time partner Mastercard has proudly sponsored the ceremony for 28 years. The new arrangement will continue to uphold these commitments without change.
For MXDWN coverage on the 2025 BRIT Awards, click here.
