Music history will be made this weekend as the Brit Awards are held in Manchester for the first time ever.
For the past 48 years, the ceremony celebrating British music and outstanding talent from the UK and beyond has taken place in London. The first awards were staged in 1977, with the last 15 ceremonies hosted at London’s The O2 Arena.
This year, however, the event moves north to Manchester’s Co-op Live arena as part of a new two-year deal that will also see the 2027 ceremony held in the city.
How many awards to expect?
A total of 16 awards will be handed out on the night, with Olivia Dean and Lola Young leading the nominations. Both artists have received five nods each, including Artist of the Year and Best Pop Act.
Dean’s album The Art of Loving, which features the hits Nice To Each Other and Man I Need, is shortlisted for Album of the Year.
Young, known for her track Messy, is also in contention for Breakthrough Artist.
Close behind is Sam Fender with four nominations, including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year and Best Alternative/Rock Act. His collaboration Rein Me In with Olivia Dean is nominated for Song of the Year.
The International Artist of the Year category features global heavyweights. Taylor Swift, who had the fastest-selling album in the UK last year with The Life of a Showgirl, is nominated alongside Bad Bunny, who won Album of the Year at the 2026 Grammy Awards.
They are joined in the category by Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii and Chappell Roan.
Winners that have been announced already
Several prizes have already been revealed ahead of the ceremony. PinkPantheress will receive Producer of the Year.
Former Oasis star Noel Gallagher has been named 2026 Songwriter of the Year, while DJ and producer Mark Ronson will be honoured with the Outstanding Contribution to Music award.
Scottish singer-songwriter Jacob Alon has won the 2026 Brits Critics’ Choice Award, which recognises emerging talent.
Speaking about the accolade, Alon said: “I really care about and believe in this music, and it makes my world brighter every time it reaches someone else.”
Star-studded performances to expect at the event
The ceremony, taking place on 28 February, will also feature a host of live performances. Artists set to take to the stage include Harry Styles, Olivia Dean and RAYE.
EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI, the singing voices behind fictional girl group HUNTR/X in KPop Demon Hunters, will also perform.
Other performers include rock band Wolf Alice, Mark Ronson, singer-songwriter Alex Warren, Rosalía and alt-pop singer Sombr.
With a new city, a fresh venue and a packed line-up of nominees and performers, this year’s Brit Awards promise to be a landmark night for British music.