BRIT Awards moves outside London for first time

The BRIT Awards will be hosted in Manchester in 2026 and 2027.

The city’s Co-op Live venue has signed a deal to stage the next two editions of the event, which is widely regarded as one of the biggest nights in the UK music industry calendar.

It will be the first time in the awards’ 48-year history that it is not held in London.

The move away from the capital follows the relocation of the next Mercury Prize ceremony to Newcastle, a city that also hosted the MOBOs earlier this year.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said the event is a “massive coup” for the area.

“It is great that this prestigious global event is about to arrive in the UK capital of music and culture,” Burnham added.

“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.”