This year’s Brit Awards served up unforgettable moments, major musical milestones and thrilling performances under one roof, but there was something truly groundbreaking about Brit Awards 2026 that makes it one for the history books.
For the first time ever, the Brit Awards left London after nearly five decades, choosing Co‑op Live in Manchester as its new home for both 2026 and 2027, giving the UK’s biggest music celebration a fresh stage and a new energy in the North of England.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this year’s winners, performances, moments and more.
A Shift in Venue, a Big Step for Manchester
The Brit Awards have long been the cornerstone of the British music calendar, traditionally hosted in London since the ceremony began in 1977. But in 2026, organisers took a bold step by moving the event to Co‑op Live Arena in Manchester on February 28th. on February 28th. on February 28th. on February 28th.
This switch marked a landmark moment for the show and the city, promising increased accessibility, a celebration of regional UK culture, and major buzz from fans and artists alike.
This relocation isn’t just for one year, it’s confirmed to continue into next year’s show as well, keeping the Brits in Manchester for 2027 too., keeping the Brits in Manchester for 2027 too., keeping the Brits in Manchester for 2027 too., keeping the Brits in Manchester for 2027 too.
Olivia Dean Dominates the Night
When it comes to winners, Olivia Dean was the undisputed star of the evening, taking home four Brit Awards, including:
Artist of the Year
Album of the Year for The Art of Loving
Best Pop Act
Song of the Year (shared with Sam Fender for Rein Me In)
Her success at the ceremony capped off a massive 12 months for the singer, following international acclaim and commercial success for her music.
Other Major Winners
Aside from Olivia Dean’s sweep, the full list of winners showcased an impressive range of genres and talents:
Group of the Year: Wolf Alice
Breakthrough Artist: Lola Young
Alternative / Rock Act: Sam Fender
Hip Hop / Grime / Rap Act: Dave
R&B Act: SAULT
Dance Act: Fred Again.., PlaqueBoyMax & Skepta
International Artist of the Year: Rosalía
International Group of the Year: Geese
International Song of the Year: Rosé and Bruno Mars for “APT”
Producer of the Year: PinkPantheress
Songwriter of the Year: Noel Gallagher
Outstanding Contribution to Music: Mark Ronson
Lifetime Achievement Award: Ozzy Osbourne (posthumous)
Critics’ Choice Award: Jacob Alon
This list demonstrates both the breadth of British music talent and its international resonance in 2026.
Performances That Lit Up Manchester
Brit Awards 2026 wasn’t just about the trophies, it was a night full of electrifying live performances:
Harry Styles opened the show with his new single Aperture, marking its first live performance.
Olivia Dean brought passion and vocal power to the stage with one of her hit tracks.
Wolf Alice delivered an unforgettable set showcasing their distinctive indie rock sound.
Rosalía captivated the crowd with her genre‑blending performance.
RAYE, Sombr, HUNTR/X, Alex Warren and others added their own flair throughout the evening.
The diversity of acts reflected a music landscape that’s vibrant, diverse and constantly evolving.
Special Tributes and Unmissable Moments
There were several standout moments beyond awards and live performances:
A heartfelt tribute to Ozzy Osbourne closed the show, featuring performances honouring his iconic legacy.
Mark Ronson used his Outstanding Contribution award to pay homage to Amy Winehouse in both speech and performance.
Genre‑blending sets and surprise cameos kept attendees talking long after the ceremony ended.
All these moments helped make the night feel like a celebration of music history, not just awards.
What This Means for the Future
With the Brit Awards remaining at Co‑op Live in Manchester for 2027, this historic move signals a new chapter for the event and for British music culture more broadly.
This change reflects a growing trend toward decentralising cultural events, making them more inclusive and reflective of the entire UK music scene rather than focusing solely on London.
Manchester, known for its legendary musical heritage, proved the perfect host for this evolution.
Wrap‑Up
The Brit Awards 2026 will be remembered as one of the most electric editions in recent memory — not just for the winners and performances, but for the energy of its new home and the fans who made it unforgettable.
From Olivia Dean’s domination to Harry Styles’ live debut and Rosalía’s international impact, this year’s show had something for music lovers of every taste.
Whether you were rooting for your favourite artist or simply soaking up the spectacle, it was a night that celebrated the power of music to unite, excite and inspire.
Want More Music Updates?
If you enjoyed this recap of Brit Awards 2026, subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on social media for the latest news, exclusive interviews and in‑depth event coverage from the world of music.
Let’s keep the music conversation going — your next favourite story awaits! 🎶