The 2026 ceremony delivered groundbreaking wins, surprise collaborations and unforgettable red carpet moments.
The BRIT Awards stepped into a new chapter in 2026, leaving London for Manchester for the very first time in its 47-year history. The move north injected the ceremony with a different rhythm. Known as the birthplace of Britpop and a cornerstone of UK rave culture, Manchester provided a culturally rich backdrop that felt both nostalgic and forward-thinking. The celebrations began long before the first trophy was handed out, with invited guests traveling via Belmond trains alongside industry giants such as Warner Music Group, turning the journey into part of the spectacle.
Inside the venue, the evening unfolded with a series of landmark achievements. PinkPantheress made history as the first woman to win Producer of the Year, a milestone that spotlighted the evolving recognition of female talent behind the scenes. Rosé also secured a place in BRITs history, becoming the first K-pop artist to win an award, taking home International Song of the Year for “APT.” Her win underscored the continued global influence of Korean pop music. Meanwhile, Olivia Dean dominated the ceremony, collecting four awards including Artist of the Year and Best Album, cementing her status as one of the UK’s most compelling rising stars.
The performances were equally headline-worthy. In a moment that few saw coming, Björk appeared during Rosalía’s set, creating a powerful and unexpected collaboration that merged two distinctive artistic worlds. Later in the night, Dua Lipa delivered a dramatic entrance, descending from the ceiling atop a glittering disco ball during Mark Ronson’s tribute performance. The theatrical moment brought the crowd to its feet and quickly became one of the defining images of the evening.
Beyond the awards and performances, the red carpet once again proved to be a focal point. This year’s fashion leaned into individuality, with each attendee embracing a look that reflected their personal aesthetic.
Rosalía delivered one of the night’s most daring ensembles. She stepped onto the carpet in a striking two-piece design that paired a feather-embellished top with a coordinating ultra-low-rise skirt. The textured detailing added movement and dimension, while the sharp silhouette gave the look a modern edge. It was dramatic yet controlled — a statement piece that felt completely aligned with her bold artistic identity.
Rosé opted for timeless elegance. Her black gown featured a one-shoulder neckline, a thigh-high slit and a softly draped waist, combining classic Hollywood glamour with contemporary refinement. The fluid structure of the dress allowed it to move beautifully on stage as she accepted her award, reinforcing the poise and sophistication of the moment.
Harry Styles once again pushed the boundaries of menswear. Wearing a sharply tailored Chanel pinstripe suit, he added an unexpected flourish with ballet flats. The footwear choice subtly disrupted the traditional structure of the suit, softening the overall look while maintaining polish. Effortlessly confident, the ensemble further solidified his reputation as a fashion risk-taker.
Television presenter Maya Jama embraced romantic glamour in a pale pink sequinned gown. The delicate spaghetti straps and understated faux fur trim lent a vintage-inspired feel, while the shimmer kept it firmly rooted in modern red carpet style. She completed the look with jewellery by Bucherer and elegant heels from Jimmy Choo, striking a seamless balance between softness and sophistication.
Bebe Rexha introduced a sharper aesthetic in a structured design by Agro Studio. Defined by bold tailoring and clean lines, the outfit made an impact through precision rather than embellishment, offering a modern contrast to the more romantic looks of the evening.
By relocating to Manchester, the 2026 BRIT Awards embraced evolution in every sense. The ceremony celebrated musical excellence while spotlighting individuality, creativity and risk-taking — both on stage and on the red carpet. With historic wins, unexpected collaborations and fearless fashion, the night signaled a confident new era for the BRITs.
