Stars Shine Bright At Brit Awards 2026 In Manchester

Manchester’s Co-op Live arena was awash with lights, music, and a palpable sense of excitement on the evening of February 28, 2026, as the Brit Awards returned for another dazzling celebration of British and international music. The ceremony, broadcast live on ITV and ITVX from 8:15 pm, drew a constellation of stars to the UK’s largest indoor venue, making it a night to remember for artists, industry insiders, and fans alike.

Comedian Jack Whitehall, no stranger to the Brit Awards’ stage, reprised his role as host, keeping the audience entertained with his trademark wit and banter. This year’s iconic BRITs trophy was crafted by Manchester-born designer Matthew Williamson, adding a local touch to the event’s prestigious legacy.

The red carpet was a spectacle in itself, with a parade of music’s biggest names and beloved celebrities. Harry Styles, dressed in Chanel, was among the first to turn heads, followed by Olivia Dean in a custom Loewe creation, and Spanish superstar Rosalía, also in Chanel. Other notable arrivals included Rosé, Lola Young, Mark Ronson and Grace Gummer (both in Celine), Maya Jama, AJ Odudu, Kelly Osbourne, Sharon Osbourne, Jamie Laing, Sophie Habboo, and Hollywood’s Jeff Goldblum. The fashion was as diverse as the music, with Jade Thirlwall making a statement in custom Off-White and Sombr, the American singer-songwriter, adding a splash of international flair.

The night was more than just a fashion showcase. It was a celebration of talent, achievement, and the ever-evolving landscape of music. Lola Young led the pack with five nominations, while Olivia Dean followed closely with four. Both artists were also among the evening’s performers, alongside a star-studded lineup that included Harry Styles, RAYE, JADE, Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Sam Fender, Lola Young, Lady Gaga, and Lily Allen. The performances ranged from soulful ballads to high-energy collaborations, with the show paying tribute to BRITs Icons and featuring unique pairings like Ed Sheeran & Stormzy, Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa, and Kylie & Justin Timberlake.

For North East England, the night held special significance. Sam Fender, the North Shields native behind the hit “Seventeen Going Under,” was nominated in four categories, including Album of the Year for his acclaimed record ‘People Watching.’ South Shields’ own Jade Thirlwall, who rose to fame as part of Little Mix, was up for both Artist of the Year and Pop Act. Their nominations were a point of pride for their hometowns, with local fans tuning in eagerly to see if their favorites would take home the coveted trophies.

The competition was fierce across all categories. The Artist of the Year nominees included Dave, Fred Again, Jade, Lily Allen, Little Simz, Lola Young, Olivia Dean, PinkPantheress, Sam Fender, and Self Esteem. Group of the Year was another hotly contested category, featuring The Last Dinner Party, Pulp, Sleep Token, Wet Leg, and Wolf Alice. The Album of the Year shortlist boasted 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 acts were well represented too. In the International Artist category, names like Bad Bunny, Chappell Roan, CMAT, Doechii, Lady Gaga, Rosalía, Sabrina Carpenter, Sombr, Taylor Swift, and Tyler The Creator vied for the honor. The International Group of the Year nominees included Geese, HAIM, HUNTR/X (EJAE/Audrey Nuna/REI AMI), Tame Impala, and Turnstile. Song of the Year and International Song of the Year categories brought together a mix of established and rising stars, with tracks like Calvin Harris and Clementine Douglas’s “Blessings,” Ed Sheeran’s “Azizam,” and Taylor Swift’s “The Fate Of Ophelia” in the running.

As the night progressed, several awards were announced in advance, adding to the anticipation. According to Deadline, Ozzy Osbourne was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, an acknowledgment of his enduring influence on rock and British music culture. Jacob Alon was named the winner of the BRITs Critics’ Choice, a nod to his rising profile in the industry. Noel Gallagher, of Oasis fame, was presented with the BRITs Songwriter of the Year, while PinkPantheress, whose real name is Victoria Walker, received the Producer of the Year Award. Mark Ronson, the renowned record producer and DJ, was also honored with the Outstanding Contribution to Music award.

One of the night’s most talked-about moments was the breathtaking collaboration performances. Ed Sheeran and Stormzy lit up the stage with their synergy, while Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa delivered a dancefloor-ready set. Kylie Minogue and Justin Timberlake joined forces for a nostalgic yet fresh duet, bridging generations of pop music. These collaborations underscored the Brit Awards’ reputation for bringing together artists from different genres and backgrounds, creating unforgettable live moments.

The red carpet was a feast for fashion enthusiasts. According to Just Jared, Rosalia stunned in Chanel, Olivia Dean’s custom Loewe gown drew admiring glances, and Rosé’s Saint Laurent ensemble paired with Tiffany & Co. jewelry was a highlight of the evening. Kelly and Sharon Osbourne made a striking mother-daughter appearance, while Mark Ronson and Grace Gummer’s coordinated Celine outfits showcased their style credentials. Maya Jama, Calvin Harris with wife Vick Hope, and Lennon Gallagher also made memorable entrances, each adding their own flair to the event’s vibrant atmosphere.

Beyond the glitz and glamour, the 2026 Brit Awards reflected the diversity and dynamism of the contemporary music scene. From breakthrough artists like Barry Can’t Swim and Skye Newman to established icons such as Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift, the night was a testament to the UK’s role as a global music powerhouse. The inclusion of genres from hip hop and grime to dance, pop, alternative, and rock ensured that every corner of the musical spectrum was celebrated.

As the final notes faded and the trophies were handed out, the Brit Awards 2026 left an indelible mark on Manchester and the wider music world. The event not only honored the achievements of the past year but also hinted at the exciting directions British and international music are heading. For artists, fans, and fashion-watchers alike, it was a night that truly belonged to the stars.