The Brit Awards' relocation to Manchester for the 2026 ceremony injected £5 million into the city and its wider region, research has revealed.
The annual awards show, considered the UK's premier music industry event, was staged in the North West for the first time this year after decades in the capital.
Economic impact and jobs
The relocation delivered a beneficial economic and social impact while generating more than 3,000 temporary job opportunities, according to an independent study carried out by Amion Consulting.
The ceremony produced £5 million in net additional spending in Manchester, with £3.6 million stemming from visitors and £1.4 million resulting from organiser and partner investment.
The study also revealed the event contributed £3.45 million in gross value added (GVA) and created 3,099 one-week temporary positions for Manchester-based workers, equating to 15,497 days of employment.
Audience and social value
It also discovered that 92% of awards attendees described the experience as excellent or good, with the Manchester move helping to attract fresh audiences to the Brits and to broader events connected with the ceremony.
The awards ceremony occurred at Manchester's Co-op Live on February 28 in a show presented by comedian Jack Whitehall, and included performances from artists such as Harry Styles, Olivia Dean, Raye and Mark Ronson. The research revealed that audience reactions to the event were "overwhelmingly positive", while media and digital coverage succeeded in raising Manchester's international profile significantly.
The occasion also generated numerous spin-off events connected to the Brits, with community-led projects, educational outreach, networking opportunities and various other activities taking place across Manchester in the run-up to the ceremony.
Researchers calculated that the social value of the event could be quantified at £11.2 million, factoring in elements including cultural engagement, online interaction and Manchester's enhanced standing as a destination for major events.
Local leaders' reaction
Bev Craig, the mayor of Greater Manchester, hailed the Brit Awards' relocation northwards as a "massive moment for our city region".
"It was a recognition not only of our unmatched music heritage, but our growing reputation for putting on national and global events and making a success of them," she added.
"Events like these bring millions of pounds into our economy and boost our culture and hospitality industries, but they're also about creating opportunities and inspiring people here with major events in world-class venues right on their doorstep.
"We've done it once in style, and we'll do it again next year.
I'm excited to help make 2027 an even bigger year for the Brits, celebrating our thriving music scene and showcasing the creativity, talent and ambition that make this place so special."
Councillor Garry Bridges, the leader of Manchester City Council, described this year's awards ceremony as "phenomenally successful", noting: "The partnership between the Brits and Manchester went so much further – with a massive social and economic reach right across the city and into our communities, which is still being felt now."
