Brit Awards to leave London for Manchester after 48 years
3 min read
Brit Awards Set to Leave London for Manchester After Nearly 50 Years
In a landmark move for the British music scene, the Brit Awards will be held in Manchester in 2026 and 2027, marking the first time the prestigious ceremony will take place outside London since it was founded in 1977.
The annual awards show, which celebrates the best in British and international music, will be hosted at the newly launched Co-op Live arena, the UK’s largest indoor venue. The announcement was made by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), the organisation behind the awards.
The decision signals a major shift in the cultural map of UK music events. For almost five decades, the Brit Awards have been synonymous with London, with past ceremonies hosted at iconic venues including the Royal Albert Hall, Earls Court, and most recently, the O2 Arena.
“We’ve had a fantastic history in London for nearly 50 years,” said Dr Jo Twist, CEO of the BPI. “But now feels like the right time to take a bold leap and bring the Brit Awards to new parts of the UK — and Manchester is the perfect place.”
Celebrating Manchester’s Musical Legacy
Manchester has long been a powerhouse in the British music industry, with a rich history of producing influential bands and artists. From Oasis and Take That to The Smiths, New Order, and The 1975, the city has contributed enormously to British music culture.
This new chapter for the Brit Awards coincides with the show’s 50th anniversary in 2027, a milestone that BPI says will be celebrated in a big way at the Co-op Live arena.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, praised the move as “a massive coup” for the city. He described Manchester as having “an unparalleled music heritage” and pledged that the region would “pull out all the stops” to ensure the event’s success.
The Co-op Live arena, which recently hosted the MTV Europe Music Awards, has been lauded as a world-class venue, despite early issues during its launch. Delays and technical problems, including a ventilation system mishap, initially raised concerns, but the arena has since hosted successful performances by Bruce Springsteen, The Eagles, and Charli XCX.
A Shift Beyond London
The move to Manchester also follows a broader trend of decentralising major cultural events in the UK. Just last month, the Mercury Prize, another major music award ceremony, announced it would be held in Newcastle for the first time, ending its decades-long run in the capital.
“We want to reach more fans and celebrate British music across the whole country,” said Dr Twist. “Manchester has the infrastructure, the energy, and the legacy that make it ideal.”
The 2026 event will also offer new opportunities to local talent and businesses, especially in the music, hospitality, and tourism sectors.
Manchester’s Awards History
Over the years, Manchester musicians have made their mark on the Brit Awards. Take That, formed in the city, have won eight Brits, while their former member Robbie Williams holds the record for the most individual Brit Awards with 18, including five during his time with the group.
Other Manchester-linked winners include Aitch, who took home the award for Best Hip-Hop, Grime, or Rap Act in 2022. During his acceptance speech, he said, “Not many people from my side of Manchester get the opportunity to stand up here and receive such an amazing gift.”
Despite their influence, many legendary Manchester bands have never received a Brit Award. The Smiths, for example, were never even nominated, while New Order, The Stone Roses, and Happy Mondays have all missed out on wins.
What’s Next?
Fans are already speculating about what surprises the Manchester venue might hold — including the potential return of the Best Live Act category, last awarded in 2013. With Oasis reportedly reuniting for a 2026 tour, many wonder if the Brit Awards might honour the band in their hometown.
Dr Jo Twist teased the possibility: “Our categories are always under review. We’re very excited to be part of the whole buzz surrounding Manchester.”
The Brit Awards in Manchester promise to be more than just a change of venue — they represent a shift in how British music honours its own, bringing the celebration closer to the heart of its history and its fans.
About The Author
