After more than 40 years in London, the Brit Awards will relocate to Manchester’s new Co-op Live arena in 2026, marking a major shift praised by local leaders and Sony Music. The move highlights Manchester’s rising cultural prominence and the arena’s cutting-edge design.
The Brit Awards, a long-standing highlight of the UK’s music calendar, are set to break new ground by relocating to Manchester for the first time. Traditionally held in London for over 40 years, the prestigious ceremony will take place at the Co-op Live arena in 2026 and 2027, with the inaugural event scheduled for Saturday, February 28, 2026. This ambitious relocation marks a significant shift in the awards’ history and has drawn excitement from various corners of the music industry and local governance.
Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, hailed the decision as a monumental victory for the region. Expressing pride in Manchester’s rich musical heritage and cultural significance, he remarked, “For the Brit Awards to move out of London is a massive coup for Greater Manchester.” Burnham’s comments spotlight the city’s role as a vibrant hub for music and culture, supplementing its legacy with emerging talent that has gained recognition on global stages. His enthusiasm reflects a broader community sentiment that celebrates Manchester’s musical prowess, which has produced iconic artists across generations.
The transition to Manchester is spearheaded by Sony Music UK, which claims that hosting the awards in this culturally rich city will invigorate the event. Jason Iley, Chairman and CEO of Sony Music UK & Ireland, expressed optimism about the move, noting that Manchester has been the home of numerous influential musicians. “This is a very exciting time for The Brit Awards,” he said. The shift resonates with a growing trend in the music industry, which increasingly seeks to decentralise major events from London to cities with dynamic cultural narratives.
The Co-op Live arena, which opened its doors in May 2024, boasts a capacity of 23,500 and is already making waves as the largest indoor venue in the UK. Designed to provide an intimate experience for concert-goers, Co-op Live has commenced a robust programme that includes performances from world-renowned artists such as Sir Paul McCartney and Charli XCX. The arena’s music-first approach, which incorporates cutting-edge acoustics and an immersive design, has contributed to its rapid rise as a leading venue with over one million tickets sold in its first year.
Adding to the excitement, Mastercard has reaffirmed its commitment as the headline sponsor of the Brit Awards for the 28th consecutive year, marking a longstanding partnership that showcases the awards’ enduring appeal. Previous ceremonies have been notable for their high-profile winners, such as Charli XCX, who made headlines this year by sweeping five awards, reinforcing the relevance of the event as a platform for celebrating musical excellence.
As the countdown begins towards the 2026 ceremony, both Manchester and the Brit Awards stand poised for what promises to be a transformative era. With the arena’s innovative design, combined with the city’s renowned musical legacy and energy, the Brit Awards are set to bring a fresh narrative while continuing to uphold the tradition of celebrating outstanding talent across the UK music scene.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/brit-awards-manchester-2026-london-b2765996.html – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/brit-awards-manchester-2026-london-b2765996.html – The Brit Awards, the UK’s premier music awards ceremony, will be held in Manchester for the first time in its history. Traditionally hosted in London for over four decades, the event is set to take place at the Manchester Co-op Live arena in 2026 and 2027. The 2026 ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, February 28, and will be broadcast on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player. Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, expressed enthusiasm over the move, highlighting Manchester’s rich musical heritage and its status as a global music and culture hub.
- https://www.cooplive.com/pQYvpSG/manchester-icon-peter-kay-to-open-co-op-live – Comedian Peter Kay is set to open Manchester’s new Co-op Live arena with performances on April 23 and 24, 2024. The 23,500-seat venue, the largest indoor arena in the UK, aims to offer an unparalleled fan experience. Kay’s involvement underscores the venue’s connection to Manchester’s cultural scene, as he is a beloved figure in the city. The arena’s design promises an intimate environment, bringing fans closer to the artist than at other arenas of equivalent size.
- https://www.cooplive.com/pQpDjCN/co-op-live-brings-eric-clapton-back-to-manchester-for-first-show-in-10-years – Co-op Live has announced that legendary guitarist Eric Clapton will perform at the venue on May 18, 2024, marking his first Manchester show in over a decade. Clapton, renowned for his contributions to music, has sold more than 280 million records worldwide. His performance at Co-op Live is part of the venue’s inaugural season, which includes 25 shows within the first month of opening. The arena aims to host a diverse range of world-class musical talent across various genres.
- https://www.cooplive.com/pQkl0U8/co-op-live-celebrates-first-year-as-top-arena-in-uk-and-europe – Co-op Live has been named the top venue for gross sales in the UK and Europe since its opening in May 2024, surpassing The O2, according to Pollstar’s data rankings. In its first 12 months, the arena sold over one million tickets and hosted 105 events, including performances by global artists like the Eagles, Pearl Jam, Paul McCartney, and Burna Boy. The venue’s music-first approach, featuring an immersive bowl design and next-generation acoustics, has been pivotal to its success.
- https://www.cooplive.com/pQYvpSG/manchester-icon-peter-kay-to-open-co-op-live – Comedian Peter Kay is set to open Manchester’s new Co-op Live arena with performances on April 23 and 24, 2024. The 23,500-seat venue, the largest indoor arena in the UK, aims to offer an unparalleled fan experience. Kay’s involvement underscores the venue’s connection to Manchester’s cultural scene, as he is a beloved figure in the city. The arena’s design promises an intimate environment, bringing fans closer to the artist than at other arenas of equivalent size.
- https://www.cooplive.com/pQkl0U8/co-op-live-celebrates-first-year-as-top-arena-in-uk-and-europe – Co-op Live has been named the top venue for gross sales in the UK and Europe since its opening in May 2024, surpassing The O2, according to Pollstar’s data rankings. In its first 12 months, the arena sold over one million tickets and hosted 105 events, including performances by global artists like the Eagles, Pearl Jam, Paul McCartney, and Burna Boy. The venue’s music-first approach, featuring an immersive bowl design and next-generation acoustics, has been pivotal to its success.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative is recent, published on 9 June 2025, and has not appeared elsewhere. The announcement of the Brit Awards relocating to Manchester in 2026 and 2027 is new information. The article is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The direct quotes from Andy Burnham and Jason Iley are unique to this report, with no earlier matches found online. This suggests potentially original or exclusive content.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from The Independent, a reputable UK news organisation, lending credibility to the information presented.
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The claims about the Brit Awards relocating to Manchester in 2026 and 2027 are plausible and align with recent developments in the music industry. The article provides specific details, including dates and quotes, supporting the narrative’s credibility.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is recent, original, and originates from a reputable source. The claims are plausible, supported by specific details, and there are no signs of disinformation. Therefore, the narrative passes the fact-checking assessment.
