On Saturday, 28 February, the 2026 BRIT Awards took centre stage in Manchester, marking the first time in nearly five decades that the ceremony was held outside London. The northern city, renowned for its vibrant music scene, iconic clubs, pubs, and nightlife, warmly welcomed the prestigious event, offering a distinctly local flair to the global celebration.
The ceremony showcased an eclectic mix of local and international talent, curated to captivate audiences both in the arena and at home. The night was broadcast live on ITV and streamed on YouTube, allowing millions worldwide to experience the spectacle.
The show opened with Harry Styles, who made his first live appearance since 2023. His performance launched a full-scale residency tour, including a record-breaking 12-day stand at London’s Wembley Stadium. Styles’ return was a high-energy kickoff, setting a tone of excitement and anticipation for the evening.
Several artists made their BRIT Awards debut, including Alex Warren, Sombr, and Rosalía. Of these newcomers, only Rosalía secured a trophy, delivering a breathtaking live rendition of her symphonic track “Berghain.” Olivia Dean, who also graced the BRIT stage for the first time, emerged as one of the night’s major winners, impressing the audience with her polished performance.
A moving tribute to the late rock legend Ozzy Osbourne followed, with Robbie Williams performing “No More Tears” accompanied by Osbourne’s former bandmates, creating one of the most memorable moments of the evening.
Over three hours, the ceremony maintained a high standard of musical excellence and diversity. The table below summarises the top-ranked performances and highlights:
| Rank | Artist/Group | Performance Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | Alex Warren | Live rendition of 13-week #1 hit “Ordinary”, though audience engagement was mixed |
| 9 | HUNTR/X | K-pop’s BRIT debut with pre-recorded “Golden”, executed with style |
| 8 | RAYE | Combined “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” and “Nightingale Lane” to showcase vocal skills |
| 7 | Wolf Alice | Classic London-based track “The Sofa”, performed in an intimate live setting |
| 6 | Sombr | Debut of “Homewrecker” and dramatic “Back to Friends”, energising the crowd |
| 5 | Ozzy Tribute | Robbie Williams’ tribute with former bandmates, commemorating Osbourne’s legacy |
| 4 | Olivia Dean | “Man I Need” previewing her forthcoming UK arena tour |
| 3 | Rosalía | First BRIT appearance, captivating audience with symphonic “Berghain” |
| 2 | Harry Styles | High-energy comeback, launching extensive residency tour |
| 1 | Remaining Acts | Mix of international and local artists delivering dynamic performances |
The 2026 BRIT Awards in Manchester demonstrated that musical quality and stage diversity can reach new heights outside the traditional London setting. Innovative performances, heartfelt tributes, and theatrical moments offered attendees and viewers an unforgettable experience. This year’s ceremony was more than an awards presentation—it stood as a landmark celebration of both UK and global music culture, cementing Manchester’s place on the international musical map.