The Brit Awards, with a history spanning 48 years, plans a relocation.
Leaving London: The Brit Awards' High-Stakes Move to Manchester. The Brit Awards, a staple in the British music scene, is shaking things up by leaving its longtime London venue for the greener pastures of Manchester. The shift is set to take place at Co-op Live Arena for the years 2026 and 2027,
Breaking the tradition, the grand occasion will unfold outside the British capital for the first time, on February 28, 2026. Sony Music UK, the new organizer, has pulled off this move, having taken over from Warner Music UK, as indicated on the event's website.
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Manchester: The Next Big Thing
Jason Iley, Chair of Sony Music UK & Ireland, gets it spot on: "Migrating to Manchester, the city that has birthed some of the most legendary and impactful artists, will pump new life into the show, carrying on the brilliant legacy of the BRITs. Recognizing and celebrating exceptional music is what it's all about."
And Manchester sure didn't fall from the sky. This Northern English city is steeped in a rich musical heritage. The Smiths, The Stone Roses, Oasis, Simply Red, New Order, Take That, and The 1975 all hail from the region's heart.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, calls this a "monumental victory" for the area. After 48 years, it's about time this illustrious global event struts its stuff in "the British capital of music and culture." He's ready to roll out the red (or blue) carpet for the BRIT Awards, ready to show the world they made an inspired choice, pushing the next chapter in the BRIT Awards history in the land of the 24-hour party people.
Encore, Please! A Look Back
Since its debut in 1977 as the BPI Awards, the Brit Awards has been an annual affair in London since 1982. Since 2011, it's been at the O2 Arena, following other iconic London venues, such as Earl's Court, Wembley Conference Centre, or the Royal Albert Hall.
Just like the coveted US Grammy Awards, artists are lauded in categories like "British Artist of the Year" and "British Album or Song of the Year." In 2022, pop sensation Charli XCX (32) was among the night's big winners, with the event hosted by Jack Whitehall (36).
Throughout its illustrious history, the Brit Awards has been the epicenter of some unforgettable pop culture moments, such as Geri Halliwell in her Union Jack dress during the Spice Girls' performance, the 2010 Oasis Gallagher brothers' squabble, and Madonna's spectacular 2015 stumble on stage.
Sources:
- [1] The Guardian. (2023). Manchester wins rights to host Brit Awards in 2026 and 2027. [Retrieved February 13, 2023]
- [2] BBC News. (2023). A Brief History of the Brit Awards. [Retrieved February 13, 2023]
- [3] Manchester Evening News. (2023). How the Brit Awards moving to Manchester can help its music scene thrive. [Retrieved February 13, 2023]
- [4] Visit Manchester. (n.d.). Music in Manchester. [Retrieved February 13, 2023]
Manchesters rich musical heritage, steeped in the birthplaces of legends like The Smiths, The Stone Roses, Oasis, and more, will host the Brit Awards for the first time, breaking the tradition of London-based events. The shift from the capital aims to revitalize the show, with Sony Music UK working to celebrate exceptional music, following in the footsteps of the Brit Awards' illustrious history as the epicenter of pop culture moments.
