The BRIT Awards, the UK’s biggest and most prestigious music ceremony, will make history in 2026 by leaving London for the first time. After nearly 50 years, the awards show is heading north to Manchester, where it will be held at the Co-op Live arena on Saturday, 28 February 2026.
Graduates from graduates of the famed BRIT School, Olivia Dean and Lola Young, are leading the nominations with five nods each. Close behind is Sam Fender, the 2025 Mercury Prize winner, with four nominations.
Korean artist and BLACKPINK member Rosé and fictional K-pop group HUNTR/X from Netflix’s massively popular movie, KPop Demon Hunters, earned multiple nods.
Rosé and HUNTR/X have earned nominations at major award ceremonies, including the Grammys. KPop Demon Hunters have already won big at the Critics’ Choice Awards and Golden Globes. Expectations are high that these artists will sweep the Grammys as well.
When and Where the BRIT Awards 2026 Will Take Place
The main ceremony will be held on Saturday, 28 February 2026, at Manchester’s state-of-the-art Co-op Live venue. The show will air live on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player, while viewers outside the UK can watch via an international YouTube livestream.
Red carpet arrivals are expected to begin in the late afternoon, though an exact time has not yet been announced.
BRITs Week 2026
Ahead of the main ceremony, the annual BRITs Week for War Child will return with a series of intimate concerts across the UK. These shows feature well-known artists performing in smaller venues, with all proceeds going toward helping children affected by conflict.
The confirmed BRITs Week 2026 lineup includes:
- 12 February: Fatboy Slim at Boiler Shop, Newcastle
- 16 February: Lambrini Girls at The Garage, London
- 24 February: Myles Smith at Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
- 25 February: Jack Savoretti and Katherine Jenkins in London; kwn in Brighton; Josh Baker in Manchester
- 26 February: Rossi. at YES, Manchester
- 27 February: Jacob Alon at Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh
Major BRIT Awards Nominees and Key Categories
The nominations were officially announced on 21 January 2026, and Olivia Dean and Lola Young appeared across major categories, including Artist of the Year and Song of the Year.
International Song of the Year
- APT. (Rosé of BLACKPINK, Bruno Mars)
- Golden (HUNTR/X)
- Ordinary (Alex Warren)
- No Broke Boys (Disco Lines, Tinashe)
- Sailor Song (Gigi Perez)
- Pink Pony Club (Chappell Roan)
- That’s So True (Gracie Abrams)
- Love Me Not (Ravyn Lenae)
- Die With a Smile (Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga)
- Manchild (Sabrina Carpenter)
- Undressed (Sombr)
- The Fate of Ophelia (Taylor Swift)
International Group of the Year
- HUNTR/X (EJAE, Rei Ami, Audrey Nuna)
- Geese
- Haim
- Tame Impala
- Turnstile
International Artist of the Year
- Bad Bunny
- Chappell Roan
- CMAT
- Doechii
- Lady Gaga
- Rosalía
- Sabrina Carpenter
- Sombr
- Taylor Swift
- Tyler, The Creator
Artist of the Year
- Dave
- Fred again
- JADE
- Lily Allen
- Lola Young
- Olivia Dean
- PinkPantheress
- Sam Fender
- Self Esteem
Mastercard Album of the Year
- The Boy Who Played The Harp (Dave)
- West End Girl (Lily Allen)
- The Art of Loving (Olivia Dean)
- People Watching (Sam Fender)
- The Clearing (Wolf Alice’s)
British Group
- Pulp
- Sleep Token
- The Last Dinner Party
- Wet Leg
- Wolf Artist
Best Pop Act
- Jade
- Lily Allen
- Lola Young
- Olivia Dean
- Raye
British Breakthrough Artist
- EsDeeKid
- Jim Legxacy
- Barry Can’t Swim
- Lola Young
- Skye Newman
Host and Performances
Comedian Jack Whitehall will continue his long-time partnership with the brand and return to host the BRIT Awards for the sixth time. Olivia Dean has been confirmed as the first major performer of the night, with more performances expected to be announced soon.
The 2026 Critics’ Choice Award has already been won by Scottish-Irish singer Jacob Alon, a prize known for spotlighting future stars.
Voting
Fans will once again have a voice in the ceremony. Voting for Song of the Year and International Song of the Year will be open via WhatsApp from 30 January to 13 February 2026.
This year’s BRIT Award trophy has special meaning. Designed by Manchester-born artist Matthew Williamson, the award is made from amber resin and shaped to resemble a worker bee’s honey, resting on a globe.
How to Watch the BRIT Awards 2026
Tickets for the main ceremony are officially sold out, making television and streaming the best way to watch. UK viewers can tune in live on ITV1 and ITVX, while audiences in Scotland can watch on STV and STV Player. International fans can follow the event through the official YouTube livestream.
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