For the first time in BRIT Awards history, the UK’s biggest night in music will take place outside London. Manchester is set to host the 2026 awards on 28 February at its Co-op Live Arena. In celebration, the train company Northern has renamed Deansgate Station to ‘Olivia Deansgate’ after the artist up for five awards at next Saturday’s ceremony, Olivia Dean.
A photo of the new station signage can be seen in the post below:
Not all passengers have been so excited by the change. Some travellers took to X the afternoon the signage was installed, voicing concerns and complaints. One user called the renaming ‘a project designed to confuse tourists and those who rely on these signs including PRM.’ Another user responded, echoing frustrations, saying renaming stations for holidays or other events ‘doesn’t really help non English speakers or those with disabilities.’ Northern responded to the original complaint saying ‘I am sorry for any confusion, this has been done to celebrate the BRIT Awards and the signs will change back after.’
Dean has racked up five nominations, making her one of the most nominated artists of the 2026 BRITs. Her nominations include Artist of the Year, Song of the Year for ‘Man I Need’ and Album of the Year for ‘The Art of Loving.’
As just her sophomore album, ‘The Art of Loving’ has continued Dean’s meteoric rise to worldwide popularity. Debuting at Number 1 on the UK Albums chart with 52, 366 album-equivalent units sold, it was Dean’s first number-one album and the biggest debut for a British female solo artist since Adele’s ’30.’ Following this success, the singer took home the Grammy Award for Best New Artist earlier this year.
Manchester Evening News reported that ahead of the BRITs, Dean will play Manchester’s Albert Hall, an intimate show apart of the official BRITs Week celebrations. This show comes as part of a two-night series of sets in partnership with charity War Child and The Warehouse Project. All proceeds from the sets will go to benefitting War Child’s work providing emergency aid, mental health support and campaigning for the rights of children affected by war worldwide.
‘Oliva Deansgate’ Station and the War Child benefit concerts are all a part of a wide range of cultural events the city of Manchester is holding this week to celebrate the BRITs. The BRIT Awards official page detailing the culture events notes Manchester as a ‘vibrant creative community.’ Elsewhere on their site, the say the city has ‘deep and rich roots in music’ and the BRIT Awards will be ‘a welcome addition to its music legacy.’
The 2026 BRIT Awards with Mastercard will take place Saturday February 28 and will be broadcast in the UK on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player. Performances from the ceremony will be shared on YouTube, for international audiences.
