The managing director of Manchester's Co-op Live arena has declared the venue's ambition to host the prestigious Brit Awards "for years to come," following a landmark week that featured both the major music ceremony and an exclusive Harry Styles album launch show.
Major Events Showcase Venue's Capabilities
Guy Dunstan, who leads the 23,500-capacity Co-op Live, described the recent Brit Awards as "one of the biggest events we've worked on" and emphasized the arena's readiness to become the ceremony's permanent home. The venue currently holds a two-year contract with the Brits, having just hosted this year's event and scheduled to stage the 50th anniversary edition in 2027.
"We would love to stage the Brits for years to come and think we really demonstrated what we can deliver," Mr Dunstan stated. "But for now we are focusing on hosting again in 2027 and it will be another opportunity to deliver a fantastic show."
Harry Styles' Exclusive Performance Highlights Venue's Appeal
The Brit Awards followed closely by Harry Styles' special album launch concert on Friday, which Dunstan called a "massive coup for us" that "demonstrates that we are now at the forefront of the industry." The former One Direction member performed at Co-op Live to celebrate his latest album, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally, with tickets priced at £20.
The intimate gig was filmed by Netflix and released on the streaming platform just two days later, providing international exposure for the Manchester venue. Styles had previously opened the Brit Awards at the same location earlier in the week.
Demonstrating Demand Beyond London
Dunstan highlighted how both events underscore the growing appetite for major concerts and award ceremonies outside the capital. "Since 2024 we have staged a number of exclusive events and one-off shows, and will continue doing so," he explained.
"It shows the North doesn't have to miss out on that. We were the only indoor venue Bruce Springsteen played in the UK, similar with Morrissey's latest shows," Dunstan added, pointing to the venue's growing reputation for attracting top-tier artists.
Overcoming Early Technical Challenges
The successful events come nearly two years after Co-op Live's problematic opening in 2024, which was marred by technical difficulties that forced capacity reductions and postponements. Initial test events with Rick Astley saw reduced attendance, while comedian Peter Kay had to reschedule his first dates.
Further concerts, including Olivia Rodrigo's performances, were delayed due to issues with the venue's heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, including a component that separated and fell.
Dunstan, who joined the venue approximately five months after its opening, acknowledged the challenges but praised his team's resilience. "I realised quite quickly that we had an amazing venue and having gone on that journey, the team had showed an unreal resilience," he said.
"Having gone through that, they showed a commitment that has allowed us to go from strength to strength," Dunstan concluded, emphasizing the venue's transformation from its troubled beginnings to its current position as a premier entertainment destination.
