The BRIT Awards made history in 2026 by leaving London for the first time in nearly 50 years, and Manchester made it count. An independent study by AMION Consulting revealed the ceremony generated a £5million net boost for the city’s economy, with £3.6million coming directly from visitor spending. The event also created over 3,000 one-week temporary jobs, and the social impact was valued at £11.2million.
Nearly 25,000 people attended the awards and the wider events surrounding them. Jack Whitehall hosted the night, while Olivia Dean walked away as the most-awarded artist. Stacey Tang, Co-President of RCA Records and Chair of the BRITs Committee, said the move was about shining a light on talent and creative communities across the UK, not just relocating a show. Mayor of Greater Manchester Bev Craig welcomed the legacy being built for the city and its communities.
The 2027 BRIT Awards are already confirmed to return to Manchester on Saturday, February 27. With numbers like these, the question now is whether more major awards shows will follow suit. What city would you want to see host a huge music event next?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.