In a landmark move for British music, the prestigious BRIT Awards is breaking with tradition by launching its first-ever fringe event. Dubbed 'BRITs Fringe', the initiative will shine a spotlight on Manchester's rising talent, coinciding with the ceremony's historic relocation to the city in 2026.
Manchester Seen and Heard: A New Hub for Talent
The fringe programme, operating under the banner 'Manchester Seen and Heard', is designed to connect emerging local artists with the wider music industry. It features a series of events aimed at nurturing the next generation. A key highlight is the 'Fringe Lab', a one-day creative industry mixer and live showcase scheduled for Friday, February 27 at New Century Hall.
In the days leading up to the main awards, the organisation Brighter Sound will host career development events for young musicians. Furthermore, BRITs Fringe will extend into schools across Manchester, encouraging educational institutions to foster talent at every level. The full list of nominees for the 2026 ceremony will be revealed on Wednesday, January 21.
A Historic Move and a Trophy Reborn
This initiative follows the seismic announcement in June that the BRIT Awards will be held outside London for the first time in its 46-year history. The 2026 ceremony, to be hosted by Jack Whitehall, will take place in Manchester, a city renowned as a musical and cultural hub.
To honour this major shift, the iconic BRIT trophy is receiving a significant redesign. Local designer Matthew Williamson has been commissioned to reimagine the award. He is replacing its traditional opaque finish with a statue made from transparent amber-coloured resin.
Matthew Williamson explained the inspiration, stating the new design 'resembles the golden honey of a worker bee, Manchester's logo, symbolising the city's role during the Industrial Revolution and so much more.' He joins an exclusive list of previous trophy designers, including Gabriel Moses, Dame Vivienne Westwood, Tracey Emin, and Yinka Ilori.
Ending a 'London-Centric' Era
The move signals a deliberate effort to reach new audiences across the UK and shed the ceremony's long-standing 'London-centric' reputation. While the BRITs have been staged at London's O2 Arena since 2011, organisers now plan to rotate the location around the country for the foreseeable future.
A source highlighted the rationale, noting that 'fans from Manchester and the surrounding areas are more likely to attend', sharing the biggest night in British music with a fresh audience. This shift aligns with a broader trend of major awards, like The Mercury Prize and The MOBO Awards, becoming more nationally focused, benefiting both nominees and fans outside the capital.
This combination of a new fringe talent scheme, a redesigned trophy, and a historic geographical move marks one of the most significant new chapters in the BRIT Awards' storied history.
