All the events happening around Manchester ahead of the BRIT Awards 2026

For the first time in its three decade-long history, the BRIT Awards are taking place in Manchester this year – and there’s a whole programme of events happening all week in celebration. 

Much like the Oasis fever that had the city in its grip last summer, venues all over Greater Manchester will be getting giddy over the upcoming awards ceremony, which will attract some of the world’s biggest music names to our hometown. 

The BRIT Awards themselves will be taking place at the Co-op Live in Manchester on Saturday 28 February, as well as being broadcast live on ITV and ITVX. 

Performances on the night will come from Harry Styles, Olivia Dean, Rosalía, Mark Ronson, Wolf Alice, and loads more – you can see the latest line-up for the BRIT Awards HERE. 

But before that, Mancs will be able to enjoy everything from free art trails to intimate gigs from massive artists. 

The BRITs will really be taking over Manchester – here’s everything that’s going on. 

The BRITs Art Trail 

Northern Quarter and Ancoats | Thursday 12 February – Monday 16 March

Curated by legendary Manchester artist Stanley Chow, and produced by Wild in Art, a new citywide art trail has appeared in the city.

The work of 21 different North West artists – from murals to billboards to installations – has taken over the Northern Quarter and Ancoats. 

You’ll find them everywhere from the side of the landmark pink carpark on Church Street to the windows of Fred Aldous – one of our favourites is a classic David Bailey BRITs comic strip. 

A Microdot Design by Brian Cannon

Manchester Piccadilly | Tuesday 17 February – Sunday 1 March, 12pm-6pm

Taking full advantage of the closure of Manchester Piccadilly is one of the music industry’s best-known creatives, with a bespoke gallery exhibition popping up on the station’s concourse. 

A Microdot Design by Brian Cannon will celebrate three decades of iconic British music artwork, including his creations for bands including Oasis, The Verve, Cast, Ruthless Rap Assassins, New Fast Automatic Daffodils, Inspiral Carpets, The Lathums and Super Furry Animals.

Brian Cannon said: “I established Microdot in Manchester in 1990, and since then, I have worked with many artists from the city and the wider North-West area. I was delighted, therefore, to be asked to curate an exhibition to celebrate The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard’s first visit to Manchester showcasing my work for musicians from the region.

“The retrospective exhibition includes some classic pieces that most people will be familiar with, alongside some lesser-known work from my archive.” 

Entry is free, with advance timed tickets available to book HERE. 

BRITs Week for War Child, delivered by DHL

Various dates and venues

Some of the world’s biggest artists – including BRITs-nominated star Olivia Dean – will be performing intimate shows at grassroots venues right across the UK. 

Here in Manchester, that means Olivia Dean herself on stage at the beautiful Albert Hall, The K’s at Gorilla, as well two nights curated Warehouse Project at YES – one with Mixmag’s Year Defining DJ Josh Baker, and the other with DJ Mag’s One to Watch Rossi.

And who could forget Robbie Williams performing at Aviva Studios too?

These shows have been announced in support of War Child’s vital work supporting children affected by Conflict. 

Tickets and further information can be found HERE.

The Rodeo BRITs special edition zine

Friday 20 February

Independent Manchester music magazine The Rodeo are producing a limited-edition zine to celebrate The BRITs coming to town. 

As well as interviews with nominated artists, it will feature words from people across our city’s music scene, and will showcase the events taking place all over the city. 

It will officially launch on Friday and you’ll be able to pick up copies in selected shops, record stores, and music venues – UNITOM, Piccadilly Records, Night & Day Cafe, The Rat & Pigeon, Fred Aldous, Ezra & Gil, The Bay Horse Tavern, Cane & Grain, Smithfield Social, Jimmy’s, Pollen, and Cloudwater.

FRINGE LAB

New Century Hall | Friday 27 February

BRITs Fringe will be a week-long programme that celebrates Greater Manchester’s music scene, under the banner ‘Manchester Seen and Heard’. 

The event will harness the power of the BRIT Awards to amplify grassroots and local creativity. 

At the centre of the programme is FRINGE LAB, a one-day music industry forum, mixer and live showcase at New Century Hall, with a line-up that includes YolanDa Brown OBE DL, Jamz Supernova (BBC 6 Music), Rich Castillo (Lionbear Music), The Lottery Winners, Donae’O, Zed Bias, Låpsley, Sam Potts (AWAL), Scott Lewis (EMI North) and Mark Lippmann (Scruff of the Neck).

But there’ll also be three days of workshops for young musicians – you can find out more information on that HERE. 

Kate Lowes, Director at Brighter Sound, said: “We’re thrilled to be announcing some of the incredible artists and industry figures joining us for BRITs Fringe – with more to be announced in the coming days. The line-up reflects both the calibre and generosity of people ready to share knowledge and open doors for the next generation. 

“We’ve had a fantastic response from local creatives and can’t wait to welcome everyone to our events in the week leading up to the awards. From development sessions to live showcases, we’re focused on creating clear, meaningful pathways for Greater Manchester talent.”

Manchester Must Dance (an afternoon with Mike Pickering in conversation with Graeme Park)

The Social, Aviva Studios | Saturday 28 February, 2pm

In celebration of Manchester-born musician, DJ and songwriter Mike Pickering, this special event will give guests an exclusive preview of Mike’s forthcoming book Manchester Must Dance, alongside his take on the music, moments and movements that shaped his groundbreaking career.

The event will feature an in-conversation hosted by legendary house music DJ Graeme Park, with a live audience Q&A offering a rare opportunity to hear directly from Mike himself. 

Tickets are available HERE.

Free tram travel

Bee Network | Saturday 28 February

If you’re one of the lucky few who has tickets to the actual BRIT Awards at the Co-op Live, you can take advantage of free tram travel. 

Just show your event ticket to conductors on your way to and from the venue. 

Read more

• All the artists performing at the BRIT Awards 2026 in Manchester – so far
• Robbie Williams announces intimate gig in Manchester for BRITs Week 26 for War Child
• Noel Gallagher to be awarded prestigious Songwriter of the Year at 2026 BRITs in Manchester

Featured image: The Manc Group