One to mark in the diaries, as The BRIT Awards announces the date it will make its Manchester return for a very special show
Harry Styles opened The BRIT Awards 2026 in Manchester – which was officially the most-watched BRITs ever(Image: GARY OAKLEY)
After a record-breaking debut year in Manchester, The BRIT Awards has announced new details about its return to the city in 2027. It is exactly 12 months since bosses first announced its “new era” and move outside of London for the first time.
And Manchester certainly delivered when it hosted the ceremony in February this year – becoming the most-watched BRITs EVER thanks to huge performances from the likes of Harry Styles, Rosalia, Robbie Williams and Olivia Dean.
Now, awards bosses have confirmed the date for the 2027 awards show, as it returns to Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena for the second year. And it will be an extra special show next year – as it will celebrate 50 years since the very first BRIT Awards was televised.
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Next year’s show will take place live in Manchester on Saturday February 27, and will air on ITV1 and ITVX in a prime-time weekend slot. it will see fans all over the UK and the world come together to celebrate the biggest artists and most exciting music of the year.
Stacey Tang, Co-President of RCA Records at Sony Music UK, will return to Chair the BRITs Committee and oversee all aspects of the 2027 show, including the creative direction. She will work with a Committee which is made up of representatives from the UK major and independent record labels, BRITs TV, and the BPI, the representative voice for the UK’s world-leading record companies and label businesses.
This year’s BRIT Awards delivered its biggest global audience ever and record-breaking social reach, cementing the show’s status as a global stage for showcasing the best in international music and the next generation of British talent.
It featured an extraordinary performance line-up, featuring an explosive opening from Harry Styles with the world premiere live performance of Aperture, and a special honour for hometown hero Noel Gallagher on the night.
Standout musical performances also came from EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI, the singing voices of HUNTR/X, as well as BRIT winners Mark Ronson, Olivia Dean, ROSALÍA, RAYE and Wolf Alice, helping to make the 2026 show one of the most talked-about BRITs to date.
Beyond the night itself, The BRITs took over Manchester in the weeks leading up to the show, through a number of exciting on-the-ground activations, a city-wide cultural programme and first ever BRITs Fringe.
A record-breaking BRITs Week for War Child saw even more gigs take place across the UK than ever before, with artists including Robbie Williams, Olivia Dean, Jacob Alon, Myles Smith and Lambrini Girls all taking to various venue stages to help raise an astonishing £1.16million for War Child.
Stacey Tang, Co-President of RCA Records at Sony Music UK and 2027 BRIT Committee Chair commented: “It’s a real privilege to return as Chair and to be back in Manchester for a second year. There was such an incredible energy around the 2026 show – across the city, the industry and with fans everywhere.
“I’m excited to build on that global success alongside a brilliant team, pushing the show creatively and continuing to celebrate the artists, the culture and the communities that make British music what it is.”
BPI CEO Dr. Jo Twist OBE commented: “Following the record-breaking success of this year’s show in Manchester, we can’t wait to return to the Co-op Live to continue celebrating and championing music and creativity to a global audience, from a city with a great heritage that has truly welcomed and embraced us with open arms. We look forward to further developing our cultural impact across the UK and in Manchester itself around next year’s show.”
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “This year’s BRIT Awards in Manchester were a huge success with a global reach and massive local impact, and we’re excited and ready to help make 2027 the biggest year yet for The BRITs!
“The impact of the awards was felt across the city region, from the cash benefit for our economy, showcasing small local music venues, incredible opportunities for our up-and-coming young musicians and creatives, and engagement with Greater Manchester schools – and we’ll be creating even more ways for them, for local people across GM and for visitors to get involved in next year’s awards, which look set to be another incredible celebration of music and our city.”
Katie Rawcliffe, Director of Entertainment, Reality & Daytime, ITV said: “The BRIT Awards is exactly the kind of event television ITV does best – live, ambitious, packed with unforgettable performances and cultural moments that bring audiences together across ITV, ITVX and our wider digital platforms.
“We’re delighted to continue our partnership with the BPI to bring one of the most important nights in the UK entertainment calendar to audiences, making it available to everyone, wherever and however they choose to watch.”
Further campaign announcements will be made in the coming months.
