The BRIT Awards are about to take the city by storm as, for the first time in its 49-year history, the ceremony will take place at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena. With its arrival in the city comes more than just anticipated celebrity sightings around town and red carpet glamour, as Manchester’s already buzzing music scene receives an extra injection of energy.
From fundraiser concerts to the BRITs Fringe programme, workshops, and panel talks, the excitement will spill out into all corners of the city. The star-studded nominee list has been revealed, and with general tickets to the BRIT Awards ceremony now sold out, these events in Manchester are your chance to soak in all the action.
What events will be happening in Manchester in the run-up to The BRIT Awards?
In the lead-up to the award ceremony, the first-ever BRITs Fringe will take place in Manchester, a series of events created to amplify and extend the impact of The BRITs and celebrate Greater Manchester’s rich musical heritage, both past and living. Led by Brighter Sound, a Manchester-based music development organisation, alongside Manchester Music City and with support from Manchester City Council, GMCA and the Manchester Accommodation BID, BRITs Fringe showcases Manchester’s vibrant music scene through a city-wide programme of events.
FRINGE LAB
At the heart of the celebrations is FRINGE LAB, a one-day creative music industry forum, mixer and live showcase taking place at New Century Hall on Friday 27th February, the eve of the BRIT Awards. Bringing together emerging artists, music professionals and creatives, FRINGE LAB offers bold talks, hands-on workshops, immersive masterclasses and high-energy discussions. The day culminates in a public live showcase, shining a spotlight on four Manchester artists tipped as potential future BRIT Award winners. Tickets are free but limited, and you can get them on the Brighter Sound website.
BRITs Fringe: First Steps
In the lead-up to the awards, Brighter Sound will deliver BRITs Fringe: First Steps, a trio of development events supporting young people interested in careers in the music industry. Hosted at Band on the Wall, the School of Digital Arts (SODA) and the Royal Northern College of Music, the sessions aim to inspire and upskill emerging talent entering the music industry. The programme will also extend into schools across the city, encouraging early musical engagement and creativity.
BRITs Week 26
Thanks to BRITs Week 26 for War Child, a nationwide series of intimate gigs taking place around the ceremony, fans will get the chance to see some of their favourite artists in smaller, intimate venues. Off the back of their biggest year yet, which saw their 2nd studio album, Pretty on the Internet, debut at number one on the UK Albums Charts, The K’s are set to rock Gorilla on February 20th. On February 26th, GRAMMY and 5 x BRIT Award nominee – including the 2026 Album of the Year Award for the #1 selling The Art of Loving; global star Olivia Dean will bring her soulful blend of pop to the Albert Hall for a special intimate set.
Also announced are homegrown talent and Mixmag’s Year Defining DJs of 2025, Josh Baker, and DJ Mag’s Ones to Watch 2025, Rossi, at YES on the 25th and 26th of February, respectively. Tickets are on sale now for the chance to experience intimate, one-off performances, all while supporting War Child’s vital work for children affected by conflict.
Other events around Manchester to get into the BRITs spirit
In the run-up to music’s biggest weekend, Mollie’s Hotel & Diner and Off The Square will lead Hennessy’s Manchester takeover with headline experiences. Mollie’s Studio IV will become a speakeasy-style hub from 16 February to 9 March, featuring a live house band performing Britpop classics in the week before the ceremony.
Off The Square will bring BRITs energy to the city’s nightlife, including a standout DJ set from BRITs nominee DJ Pied Piper alongside DJ Silk on 28 February. Both venues will serve bespoke Hennessy cocktails, making them must-visit destinations for music and cocktail lovers alike.
Across the city, additional Hennessy activations will run throughout February, including:
- Hotel Gotham – bespoke Hennessy cocktails, with BRITs-themed live music evenings on 19th & 26th February
- Speak In Code – Exclusive new Hennessy cocktail featuring quince wine, dandelion & pear
- Wood&Co – bespoke Hennessy cocktails with BRITs-themed DJ on 21st February
- Dusk Till Pawn – bespoke Hennessy cocktails with BRITs nominee DJ set on 20th February
- Bunny Jacksons & Bunny’s Karaoke NQ – Hennessy cocktails available, including the brand’s cognac take on a Margarita (the Henny Rita); BRITs-themed karaoke night on 27th February
- Federico – Month-long special Hennessy and Moët cocktail
- Stray – Exclusive Hennessy cocktail throughout February, with further activity to be announced
- Bar Shrimp – Exclusive Hennessy Highball with BRITs inspired DJ sets in the lead up to the awards
More live music events in Manchester beyond The BRIT Awards
While the BRIT Awards may be the main event, Manchester’s gig calendar doesn’t slow down, with live music filling venues across the city all month long. Here are some of the highlights to get a part of the musical action around the ceremony.
17-18 February, RAYE – THIS TOUR MAY CONTAIN NEW MUSIC, Co-op Live Arena
20 February, Florence + The Machine: The Everybody Scream Tour, Co-op Live Arena
20 February, Big Special, New Century Hall
20 February, D Double E & Footsie, Secret location
21 February, James Arthur, Co-op Live Arena
21 February, The Fratellis, Albert Hall
21 February, The Mouse Outfit, The Bread Shed
25 February, Josh Baker, YES
26 February, Rossi., YES
26 February, SL, Club Academy
27 February, Franz Ferdinand, Manchester Academy
1 March, The Vaccines, O2 Victoria Warehouse
5 March, The Jazz Room: A Tribute to Soul, Band on the Wall
See more here.
If you’re looking for a more atmospheric way to experience live music, Candlelight concerts across Manchester offer intimate performances in stunning settings throughout the BRITs frenzy. Within a sea of thousands of flickering candles, a string quartet performs tributes to world-renowned artists, from Taylor Swift and Oasis to Coldplay and Fleetwood Mac, offering a moment of calm amid the city’s musical buzz.