History of Brit Awards 2026 in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 28, 2026

The Brit Awards 2026, the 46th edition of the awards, will honor the best British and international music of 2025. A significant departure from tradition, the ceremony will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, marking the first time the event has been staged outside of London. Jack Whitehall returns as host for the sixth time. Charley Marlowe and Tyler West will host the red carpet coverage which will be streamed on the BRITs' social media channels.

January 2026: Jacob Alon Announced as Critics' Choice Winner

On 19 January 2026, Jacob Alon was announced as the winner of the Critics' Choice award. The complete list of nominees was announced on 21 January 2026.

January 2026: Performers Announced for the 2026 Brit Awards

On 21 January 2026, during the Bring on The BRITs with Mastercard: The 2026 Nominations Show live on Instagram, Olivia Dean was announced as the first performer. On 28 January 2026, Harry Styles was announced as the second artist to perform. On 29 January 2026, Wolf Alice was added to the lineup.

February 2026: More Performers Announced and Tribute Planned for the 2026 Brit Awards

In February 2026, several more performers were announced for the Brit Awards ceremony. On 3 February 2026, Mark Ronson was confirmed as a performer and would receive the Outstanding Contribution to Music award. On 5 February 2026, Rosalía was announced as a performer. On 13 February 2026, Ejae, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami were announced as performers. On 16 February 2026, Alex Warren was announced as the seventh performer. On 19 February 2026, Sombr was added as the eighth performer. RAYE was announced as the ninth performer on 26 February 2026. On 26 February 2026, it was also announced that Robbie Williams would pay tribute to Ozzy Osbourne with Adam Wakeman, Robert Trujillo, Tommy Clufetos and Zakk Wylde.

February 2026: Additional Brit Awards Recipients Announced

In February 2026, several recipients of Brit Awards were announced. On 3 February 2026, Mark Ronson was announced as the recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Music award. On 4 February 2026, Noel Gallagher was confirmed to receive the Songwriter of the Year award. On 23 February 2026, PinkPantheress was announced as the recipient of Producer of the Year award. On 26 February 2026, Ozzy Osbourne was announced as the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.

February 2026: 46th edition of the Brit Awards ceremony

In February 2026, the 46th edition of the Brit Awards ceremony, presented by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), will be held to recognize the best in British and international music in 2025. The ceremony will be held on Saturday, 28 February 2026, at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, marking the first time in the ceremony's history that it will be held outside London. Jack Whitehall will host the ceremony, while Charley Marlowe and Tyler West will host the live red carpet coverage across the BRITs' official social media channels.

2026: Brit Awards at Manchester's Co-op Live arena

In 2026, the Brit Awards will be held at Manchester's Co-op Live arena, marking the first time the ceremony will be held outside London. This announcement followed a two-year deal between the BPI and the arena.

2026: Changes to Brit Awards categories

In October 2026, the Rising Star award was reverted back to its original name, the Critics’ Choice Award. The award for Best New Artist was also reverted to British Breakthrough Act.