Manchester has welcomed the Brit Awards for the first time in its five-decade history, with the ceremony moving to the Co-op Live arena. The event’s chair, Stacey Tang, said the relocation aimed to recognise the geographical diversity of the UK’s music talent, adding that the idea of the biggest night in music always being in London “is ageing out”. Temporary signage at a railway station, including a tribute to nominee Olivia Dean, has delighted visitors.
Tang praised the local authority and Mayor Andy Burnham for opening up the city, saying the approach was “really different” to London. Fringe events have included intimate shows by Olivia Dean and Robbie Williams, as well as workshops with grassroots artists. Tang described a “kinetic energy” in Manchester, with a creative positivity not always evident in London.
The Brits in Manchester follow the Mobo awards, which have been held in several northern cities, and the MTV European music awards at Co-op Live in 2024. Jo Twist, chief executive of the BPI, noted that Manchester has consistently been the UK’s top location for producing chart-toppers. She said the industry has recognised the need to support talent beyond London, citing the Mercury prize’s move to Newcastle last year.
Scott Lewis, label manager at EMI North, emphasised the importance of major music events in the north, stating, “If you can see it, you can be it.” His role, established in 2023 at the first major label office outside London, addresses the challenge that opportunity is not evenly distributed. Lewis highlighted the storytelling nature of northern artists, naming figures like Lily Fontaine and Arctic Monkeys’ Alex Turner.
Progress includes the planned opening of the new Brit school in Bradford in 2028, building on the city’s rich cultural heritage. Organisations such as Brighter Sound in Manchester, Generator in Newcastle and Launchpad in Leeds are also quietly nurturing fresh talent, contributing to a thriving grassroots scene.
