The Brits are coming to Manchester: Here is everything you need to know

For the first time in over 5 decades Britain’s biggest night in music is moving up north. This

Saturday the Brits will be held at Manchester’s own Co-op Live. Along with hosting for the first time, the Brits Fringe will be held for the first time.

Co-op Live BRIT Awards 2026 (Credit: Co-op Live Instagram)

When and where can you watch?

The ceremony will take place on Saturday the 28th of February at 8.15pm. As always, the

show will broadcast live on ITV 1, along with ITV X. For the first time the ceremony will also

be available to stream on ITV’s YouTube channel.

Who is hosting?

Returning for the 6th time, comedian and actor Jack Whitehall will be hosting. After revealing

it on his Instagram through a video of him green screened into places like the curry mile and

talking about the barm cake. “I am so excited to be coming back for this very special BRIT

Awards in Manchester, a place that is so important to me”

Who is performing?

Harry Styles

After announcing his new album, Kiss All the Time, Disco Occasionally, and his new number

one single, Aperture, it is safe to say his performance is the most anticipated at the

upcoming ceremony.

The ex-One Direction star from Cheshire invested in co-op live. This will be his first

performance there before his sold out one night only in March.

HUNTR/X

It’s hard to avoid the Netflix animation, Kpop Demon Hunters, especially the chokehold it has

had on young people. The fictional band has gained millions of streams around the world.

Nominated for two Brit awards, the singing voices, EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI, will

bring these songs to life at the ceremony. However, their performance will not be live and

filmed ahead of time.

Sombr

After blowing up over this past year, people have fallen in love with his music and his quirky

personality. At only 20 years-old, Sombr has already secured multiple hits such as 12 to 12,

Back to Friends and Undressed.

Nominated for two Brit awards, International Artist and International Song, his performance

is highly anticipated amongst fans. “I love the UK and all the British people, it's my second home!” He will be back in Manchester for his sold-out show in March at Aviva Studios.

Olivia Dean

After winning Best New Artist at the Grammys along with opening and collaborating with

Mercury Prize winner, Sam Fender, Olivia Dean has had a massive year. She is one of the

most nominated artists of the year with 5 nominations including album of the year for The Art

of Loving.

Her live performances always create a breezy easy going feeling and is definitely one to look

out for.

Wolf Alice

After winning British Group of the year in 2022, the rock group, Wolf Alice are very loved by

the Brits. After their latest album, The Clearing, went number one and has gained three

nominations.

The bands bassist, Theo Ellis said: “Can’t wait to see what everyone’s wearing, can’t wait to

see who else is playing, can’t wait to have ten mini wines (after we play).”

Rosalia

Making her brits debut, after her critically acclaimed record Lux released earlier this year, the

Spanish born artist is ensured to bring a new energy to the Brits. Her genre bending sound

has earned her two Grammy awards and has worked with artists such as The Weekend,

Cardi B and Bad Bunny.

Alex Warren

Starting his career of on TikTok, he has since made a name for himself in the music world.

After releasing his debut EP in 2024, he has gained both a Grammy and Brit nomination. His

big break was his hit song, Ordinary, which earned the record as the longest running UK

number one for the 2020s.

Mark Ronson

This years recipient of Outstanding Contribution to Music award is a household name

producer, songwriter and DJ. Earning 9 Grammy awards and 3 Brit awards. Rumoured to be

bringing out multiple artists he has worked with over the year. Which could be anyone one

from Bruno Mars to A$AP Rocky.

What are the categories and who is nominated?

There are 16 categories for the Brits. Artist of the year, Group of the year, Album of the year,

Song of the year, International artist of the year, International group of the year, Breakthrough

artist, Critics choice, Best alternative/ rock art, Best pop act, Best hip-hop/rap/grime act, Best

R&B act, Best dance act, Producer of the year and Song writer of the year.

Lola Young and Olivia Dean are leading the nominations with 5 nominations each. Along

with many other Brits being celebrated, such as Lily Allen, Sam Fender and Pulp.

Find the full list of nominees here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgjwnx70pjwo

What is the Brits Fringe?

In the week leading up to the Brits there are lots of celebrations of music and grassroots

happening around Manchester.

A key event happening is the Fring Lab. Set up by the charity Brighter Sound, on Friday the

27th at New Century Hall. It brings artist, executives and creatives together for talks,

masterclasses and help with the industry.

After the event there is a live showcase with local Manchester musicians including: Chloe

Slater, Meduulla, Nxdia and Third Kulture.

War Child are also hosting events at YES, with Josh Baker playing on Wednesday and Rossi

Thursday.

Olivia Dean is playing an intimate show on Thursday at the Albert Hall along with Robbie

Williams playing at Aviva Studios on Friday.

Throughout the city there are celebrations of Manchester music everywhere, including a pop

up at piccadilly station and a art rail around the city centre.