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BRITs Fringe brings Manchester’s creative energy to the fore ahead of The BRIT Awards 2026
The BRIT Awards today unveiled BRITs Fringe, a brand‑new programme designed to spotlight Manchester’s outstanding musical heritage and the next generation shaping the future of UK music. Launching for the first time in the show’s history, BRITs Fringe will run across the city in February, amplifying local talent and connecting creative communities ahead of The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard, taking place on Saturday 28th February at Co‑op Live.
Sony Music is responsible for stewarding The BRIT Awards for three years (2026 – 2028), leading the committee and overseeing creative direction of the show. Sony Music UK spearheaded the move of the awards ceremony from London to Manchester’s Co-op Live for 2026 and 2027, marking the first time the event has left London in nearly 50 years.
BRITs Fringe, developed and delivered by Manchester‑based music organisation Brighter Sound, in collaboration with Manchester Music City, Manchester City Council, GMCA and the Manchester Accommodation BID, forms part of a wider ambition to deepen the impact of The BRITs year‑round. Under the theme Manchester Seen and Heard, the programme aims to broaden access, encourage early creative engagement and open pathways into the industry for emerging artists and young people.
Stacey Tang, Chair of the 2026 BRIT Awards Committee and Co‑President of RCA Records at Sony Music UK, said: “We’re excited to launch the first programme of BRITs Fringe events, helping to unlock opportunities and reach the creative communities within Manchester. The BRIT Awards have a strong history of championing music education, and these events will give local communities a chance to be part of the biggest night in British music, while highlighting the region’s unique culture and talent. I’m grateful for the energy our partners have brought to this remarkable series of events, creating space for the next generation of creative talent.”
At the heart of the activity is FRINGE LAB, a one‑day forum, mixer and live showcase on Friday 27th February. Bringing together artists, music professionals and creatives at New Century Hall, FRINGE LAB will feature workshops, conversations and masterclasses, culminating in a public showcase highlighting future stars from the region.
Brighter Sound will also host BRITs Fringe: First Steps, a series of development sessions across key cultural and educational venues — Band on the Wall, SODA and the Royal Northern College of Music — aimed at supporting young people as they navigate potential careers in music. Additional schools‑based activity will extend the programme’s reach into classrooms across the city.
Alongside BRITs Fringe, the BRITs will reveal the 2026 nominations via Bring on the BRITs with Mastercard, a livestream hosted exclusively on Instagram and Facebook at 5pm on Wednesday 21st January.
With Manchester as this year’s host city and a renewed focus on community impact, BRITs Fringe represents a meaningful evolution of The BRIT Awards’ mission to champion creativity at every level — from grassroots scenes to the global stage.