BRITs Fringe Events Revealed

In a first for The BRIT Awards, a programme of engagement called the BRITs Fringe will be taking place across Manchester ahead of this year’s event. Also announced was Bring on the BRITs with Mastercard: The 2026 Nominations, a livestream exclusively hosted on the BRITs’ Instagram and Facebook from 5pm on Wednesday 21st January.

Created to amplify and extend the impact of The BRITs, BRITs Fringe celebrates Greater Manchester’s rich musical heritage, its vibrant contemporary scene and the next generation shaping the future of UK music. Under the banner 'Manchester Seen and Heard', BRITs Fringe harnesses The BRIT Awards’ global platform, to amplify grassroots creativity, elevate local voices and connect emerging talent with the wider music industry.

Delivered by Brighter Sound, a locally rooted yet globally connected music development organisation - in collaboration with Manchester Music City and supported by Manchester City Council, GMCA and the Manchester Accommodation BID - BRITs Fringe shines a spotlight on Manchester’s dynamic music scene through an exciting programme of events.

At the centre of the celebration is FRINGE LAB, a one-day creative music industry forum, mixer and live showcase at New Century Hall on Friday 27th February, the eve of The BRIT Awards. Bringing together emerging artists, music professionals and creatives, FRINGE LAB features bold talks, hands-on workshops, immersive masterclasses and high-energy discussions. The day culminates in a public live showcase spotlighting four of Manchester’s potential future BRIT Award winners.

In the days leading up to the awards, Brighter Sound will also deliver BRITs Fringe: First Steps – a trio of targeted development events for young learners aimed at supporting them to pursue careers in the music industry. Hosted at Band on the Wall, the School of Digital Arts (SODA) and the Royal Northern College of Music, these sessions aim to inspire, upskill and empower the next generation of Manchester’s music talent. Extending its reach even further, a collaborative project with Manchester's music education service will take BRITs Fringe into schools across the city, further encouraging early musical engagement and nurturing creativity at every level.

Bring on the BRITs with Mastercard: The 2026 Nominations

The livestream exclusively hosted on the BRITs’ Instagram and Facebook from 5pm on Wednesday 21st January, is the first place to find out which artists are nominated for The BRIT Awards 2026.

Presented by DJ and BBC Radio 1 broadcaster Sarah Story and presenter and content creator Charley Marlowe, Bring on The BRITs with Mastercard, filmed at Co-op Live, features exclusive interviews with some of this year’s nominees and a performance from the 2026 BRITs Critics’ Choice winner. Sarah and Charley will look ahead to the main show and Charley will be sneaking around backstage to give fans a behind the scenes look at the BRITs’ new home.

Sarah Story said: “The BRITs is THE most iconic night in British music so it’s an honour to be hosting the nominations announcement and winner interviews on the night. I’ll get that first conversation with the artists when they receive their award! How exciting is that?! I’ve grown up watching the BRITs since I was a kid so this really is a dream come true!”

Charley Marlowe said: “I am over the moon to be co-hosting the BRITs nominations livestream and red carpet. To be celebrating such incredible musical talent is one thing, but to do it in Manchester is just frabjous. All the stars can rest assured knowing they’ve got the warmest of welcomes waiting for them up here, and I’m on standby to cause (controlled) chaos on the carpet. What more could you want.”