The BRIT Awards 2026 mark a major moment in the history of British music. The annual awards celebrate outstanding achievements in UK and international music and bring together established stars, rising talent, and global icons. This edition is especially significant due to a historic venue change, a strong focus on diversity, and a nominations list that reflects today’s evolving music landscape.
BRIT Awards 2026 Date
The BRIT Awards 2026 will be held on Saturday, 28 February 2026. The ceremony continues the tradition of taking place in late February, making it one of the final major music award events of the season.
BRIT Awards 2026 Venue
For the first time since the BRIT Awards began in 1977, the event will not be hosted in London. The 2026 ceremony will take place at Co-op Live in Manchester, England.
This move is widely seen as a landmark decision. Manchester is one of the UK’s most influential music cities, known for shaping British music culture across generations. Hosting the BRIT Awards here highlights the importance of music scenes outside the capital.
Important note:
No official confirmation has been made regarding the 2026 venue. Any final decision will be announced by the BRIT Awards organization.
Host of BRIT Awards 2026
The ceremony will be hosted by Jack Whitehall, a British comedian and television presenter. He has hosted the BRIT Awards several times before and is known for his relaxed style and sharp humour.
Nominees for BRIT Awards 2026
The full list of nominations was announced on 21 January 2026 during a special broadcast filmed at Manchester’s Co-op Live. The nominees span British and international artists across many categories, covering pop, rock, hip-hop, R&B, dance, and alternative music.
Top Nominees
- Olivia Dean – 5 nominations
- Lola Young – 5 nominations
- Sam Fender – 4 nominations
- Lily Allen – 3 nominations
- Dave – 3 nominations
- Fred Again.., Jim Legxacy, Wolf Alice – multiple nominations
Artist of the Year
Nominations include:
- Dave
- Fred Again..
- JADE
- Lily Allen
- Little Simz
- Lola Young
- Olivia Dean
- PinkPantheress
- Sam Fender
- Self Esteem
Album of the Year
- Dave – The Boy Who Played The Harp
- Lily Allen – West End Girl
- Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving
- Sam Fender – People Watching
- Wolf Alice – The Clearing
Song of the Year
Some nominated tracks include:
- Calvin Harris & Clementine Douglas – Blessings
- Ed Sheeran – Azizam
- Lola Young – Messy
- Olivia Dean – Man I Need
- RAYE – Where Is My Husband!
- Sam Fender & Olivia Dean – Rein Me In
Breakthrough Artist
- Barry Can’t Swim
- EsDeeKid
- Jim Legxacy
- Lola Young
- Skye Newman
International Categories
International artists nominated include:
- Bad Bunny
- Lady Gaga
- Rosalía
- Sabrina Carpenter
- Taylor Swift
- Tyler, The Creator
(This is a snapshot. The BRIT Awards include many additional genre-specific and international categories.)
Critics’ Choice Award
The Critics’ Choice Award was announced ahead of the main ceremony. This award highlights artists expected to shape the future of the music industry and is often seen as a strong indicator of long-term success.
Diversity and Representation
The BRIT Awards 2026 have been noted for improved representation. Around 70% of the nominees are women, non-binary artists, or mixed groups, reflecting ongoing changes in the music industry.
BRIT Awards 2026 Trophy Design
The 2026 BRIT trophy was designed by Matthew Williamson and is inspired by Manchester’s worker bee symbol. The design represents creativity, unity, and the city’s cultural identity.
How to Watch BRIT Awards 2026
Based on previous years:
- The ceremony is expected to be broadcast on ITV
- Live streaming is likely via ITVX
Official broadcast details will be confirmed closer to the event.
Why BRIT Awards 2026 Is Special
- First BRIT Awards ceremony held outside London
- Strong focus on emerging talent
- Wide genre representation
- Mix of legacy acts and modern chart leaders
Conclusion
The BRIT Awards 2026 represent a turning point for the iconic awards show. With a historic move to Manchester, a diverse and competitive nominations list, and a strong balance between established stars and new voices, this year’s ceremony reflects the current state of British and global music. Fans can expect memorable performances, major wins, and moments that will define the year in music.
Trusted Sources Used
The information in this article has been researched and verified using the following authoritative sources.
