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For the first time in its 46-year history, the BRIT Awards are packing up and heading north, Manchester is set to host the iconic event in 2026, marking a monumental shift away from its long-standing London roots.
The news, first reported by the Daily Mail, signals a major transformation for Britain’s biggest night in music. While the official line is that the change is aimed at “reaching new audiences” and combatting the show’s “London-centric” image, music insiders say the move is also driven by finances.
“Everything is more expensive in the capital,” said a source. “Moving to cities like Manchester isn’t just about diversity, it’s also about keeping the event sustainable in the current economy.”
Since 2011, the BRITs have been held at the O2 Arena in London, creating some of pop culture’s most unforgettable moments: Geri Halliwell’s Union Jack dress, Adele’s middle-finger mishap, and Madonna’s infamous 2015 fall. But before the O2, the event moved around London, from the Royal Albert Hall and Hammersmith Apollo to Alexandra Palace and even the Grosvenor Hotel.
Manchester’s AO Arena will reportedly host the show next year, with plans for the BRITs to become a travelling event, popping up in other major UK cities such as Birmingham, Glasgow, and Cardiff in future years.
Music fans across the country are welcoming the change, seeing it as a long-overdue acknowledgement of the talent and audience base beyond London. Social media reactions have ranged from enthusiastic pride in northern cities to nostalgic reflections on the BRITs’ London legacy.
BRITs Chairperson YolanDa Brown said in a brief statement, “Music is for everyone, everywhere. This new chapter is about celebrating that spirit across the UK.”
The relocation could breathe fresh life into the ceremony, which in recent years has faced criticism for feeling out-of-touch and overly slick. By reintroducing a regional flair and encouraging fresh local talent to shine, the BRITs may finally be ready to reconnect with the raw, unpredictable energy that once made it a must-watch night.
One thing's for certain: with Manchester’s rich musical heritage, from Oasis to The 1975, the BRITs are in good hands for their first step outside the capital.
