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 city’s vibrant music scene, bustling clubs, pubs, and bars warmly welcomed the glittering event, reflecting Manchester’s rich cultural heritage and deep musical roots.
This year’s awards showcased an impressive roster of local and international talent, amplified by live broadcasts on ITV and YouTube, allowing audiences worldwide to share in the spectacle.
The show opened with Harry Styles’ long-awaited live return, his first major performance since 2023. His set not only electrified the audience but also signalled the start of his full-scale residency tour, including a record-breaking 12-night stint at London’s Wembley Stadium.
The 2026 BRITs also shone a spotlight on emerging artists. First-time performers Alex Warren, Sombr, and Rosalía took to the stage, though it was Rosalía who captured the night’s accolades with a triumphant win. Another standout, Olivia Dean, made her BRIT debut, delivering a captivating performance that left audiences enchanted.
A poignant tribute was paid to the late, legendary Ozzy Osbourne. Robbie Williams led the homage with a stirring rendition of “No More Tears,” joined by Ozzy’s former bandmates, honouring his indelible contribution to rock music.
Over three hours, the ceremony maintained a remarkable balance of diversity and performance quality, blending dramatic, intimate, and high-energy moments. Key performances are summarised in the table below:
| Rank | Artist/Group | Performance Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | Alex Warren | Performed 13-week #1 hit “Ordinary”; audience engagement was modest |
| 9 | HUNTR/X | K-pop debut at the BRITs with pre-recorded “Golden”; received praise |
| 8 | RAYE | Mixed “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” and “Nightingale Lane” to showcase vocal skill |
| 7 | Wolf Alice | Live “The Sofa”; intimate performance by the London-based band |
| 6 | Sombr | Premiered “Homewrecker” and dramatic “Back to Friends,” thrilling the crowd |
| 5 | Ozzy Tribute | Robbie Williams with ex-bandmates performed “No More Tears” |
| 4 | Olivia Dean | “Man I Need,” signalling upcoming UK arena tour |
| 3 | Rosalía | Debut BRIT performance of symphonic track “Berghain,” mesmerising audience |
| 2 | Harry Styles | High-energy opening set; marked live comeback and residency tour launch |
| 1 | Remaining Acts | A mix of international and local artists delivering standout performances |
Manchester’s hosting of the 2026 BRIT Awards proved that musical excellence and stage diversity can reach new heights. From innovative performances to heartfelt tributes and dramatic interludes, the ceremony offered audiences an unforgettable evening of entertainment.
Far beyond a standard awards presentation, the 2026 BRITs cemented themselves as a landmark celebration in both the UK and international music scenes.