The Brit Awards' move to Manchester for 2026 generated £5 million for the city and its surrounding area, according to independent research by Amion Consulting.
The ceremony was held at Co-op Live Arena on 28 February, marking the first time the UK's biggest night in music was hosted outside the capital in its near 50-year history. The event was hosted by comedian Jack Whitehall and featured performances from Harry Styles, Olivia Dean, Raye and Mark Ronson.
Jobs and Economic Impact
The study found the awards created more than 3,000 temporary jobs for Manchester-based workers. The £5 million in net additional expenditure came from visitor spending and organiser and partner expenditure.
An independent study also found that 92% of award show attendees rated the experience as excellent or good. Media and digital coverage helped to amplify Manchester's profile on a global stage.
Community Events and Engagement
The Brits spawned a number of events centred around the ceremony, with community-focused initiatives, educational engagement, networking events and other programmes held in Manchester in the weeks leading up to the ceremony. The study found that audience feedback on the event was "overwhelmingly positive".
2027 Event Confirmed
Greater Manchester mayor Bev Craig said the move north was a "massive moment for our city region". The 2027 Brit Awards will also be held in Manchester.
Manchester City Council leader Garry Bridges described this year's award show as "phenomenally successful", noting that "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".
