Brit Awards 2026: A Spectacular Night of Music in Manchester
The Brit Awards return for the 2026 ceremony tonight, promising an unforgettable evening filled with the biggest names in global music. This year's event has relocated to Manchester for the first time, adding a fresh dynamic to the prestigious awards show. With a star-studded lineup of performers and nominees, including Lily Allen, Sam Fender, Jade Thirlwall, Olivia Dean, and international icon Taylor Swift, the night is set to celebrate excellence across diverse genres.
Event Schedule and Broadcasting Information
The Brit Awards are scheduled to commence on Saturday, February 28, at 8:15 PM. The ceremony will be broadcast live on ITV1 and ITVX, running from 8:15 PM to 10:30 PM without any edits or delays, ensuring viewers experience every moment as it unfolds. For those eager to catch the glamour early, a red carpet livestream will be available from 5:30 PM on the official Brits Instagram account. This pre-show will be hosted by Kiss FM DJ Tyler West and podcast host Charley Marlowe, offering insights into celebrity fashion and arrivals. The televised program will be preceded by Britain's Got Talent, airing from 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM.
Host and Special Honours
Comedian Jack Whitehall returns to host the Brit Awards for the sixth time, marking a significant moment as he revisits Manchester, the city where he began his comedy career. Whitehall expressed his excitement about hosting at the Co-op Live venue, noting its proximity to his early performances. In addition to the awards, special recognition will be given to Noel Gallagher and Mark Ronson for their outstanding contributions to music, with Ronson also slated to perform during the ceremony.
Nominees and Award Categories
This year's Brit Awards feature a competitive array of nominees across multiple categories. Key highlights include:
- Song of the Year: Nominations range from Calvin Harris and Clementine Douglas's "Blessings" to Raye's "Where Is My Husband!" and Sam Fender and Olivia Dean's "Rein Me In."
- Artist of the Year: Contenders include Lola Young, Dave, Fred Again, Jade, Lily Allen, Little Simz, Olivia Dean, Pink Pantheress, Sam Fender, and Self Esteem.
- Mastercard Album of the Year: Notable entries are Dave's "The Boy Who Played The Harp," Lily Allen's "West End Girl," Olivia Dean's "The Art Of Loving," Sam Fender's "People Watching," and Wolf Alice's "The Clearing."
- International Categories: Stars like Taylor Swift, Rosalía, and Bad Bunny are vying for International Artist of the Year, while groups such as Haim and Tame Impala compete for International Group of the Year.
Performance Lineup and Highlights
The performance roster for the Brit Awards 2026 is packed with talent, headlined by Harry Styles, who will debut music from his upcoming album "Kiss All The Time. Disco Occasionally" in his first live TV performance of the new material. Raye, who holds the record for most awards won in a single night, returns to the stage, joined by other acts like Wolf Alice, HUNTR/X's EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI, and global superstar Rosalía. Additional performers include Alex Warren, Sombr, Olivia Dean, and the trio behind HUNTR/X, ensuring a diverse and energetic show.
Afterparties and Celebrations
Following the main ceremony, Manchester will host several exclusive afterparties, expected to continue into the early hours of the morning. These events provide an opportunity for artists and attendees to celebrate the night's achievements in style, further enhancing the city's vibrant music scene.
This article offers a comprehensive guide to the Brit Awards 2026, covering all essential details from start times and viewing options to nominees and performers. Stay tuned for live updates and highlights from this monumental event in the music industry.
