How to watch the BRIT Awards 2026
It's almost time!
There are just under two weeks to go before the BRIT Awards returns for another dazzling night of musical celebrations.
But this year things will look a little different, as, for the first time in its history, the awards ceremony will be broadcast from Manchester's Co-op Live arena, making its debut outside of the capital.
Anticipation is at an all time high this year, with nominees including chart-toppers such as Olivia Dean, Sam Fender and Lily Allen, all of whom are up for artist of the year.
The BRITs 2026 will feature exciting performances - including one from Harry Styles - special tributes and hilarious gags that'll be immortalised in the show's history.
Looking to tune in? Here's everything you need to know about how to watch the BRIT Awards 2026 live.
How to watch the BRIT Awards 2026
For those based in the UK, viewers can tune in live on Saturday 28 February on ITV1 and ITVX.
At the time of reporting, exact timings for transmission are yet to be confirmed, but it is thought the ceremony will begin around 8pm.
The BRIT Awards 2026 host
Jack Whitehall will once again host the BRIT Awards, which is particularly special this time round as his connections to the BRITS' new home run deep, having studied at the University of Manchester.
Marking his sixth time presenting the show, Whitehall said: "I am so excited to be coming back for this very special BRIT Awards in Manchester, a place that is so important to me. The city I started my comedy career in, it feels like a real full circle moment returning to host this historic night at the Co-op Live, a venue that is only a stone’s throw away from the comedy club I did my first 10 minute set in all those years ago. Hopefully I get a few more laughs than I did that night. I cannot wait."
Who designed the BRIT Awards 2026 trophy?
Internationally acclaimed designer Matthew Williamson is behind this year's BRIT Award trophy.
The trophy is amber toned resin, "resembling the golden honey of a worker bee, the city's mascot - atop a globe representing the worldwide reach of British music", all inspired by his Manchester roots.
On what designing this year's trophy means to him, Matthew commented: "Following in the footsteps of great designers and artists before me, it’s an honour and a career highlight to design the 2026 BRITs trophy. The BRITs is an event I've watched since childhood, and I’m still so immersed in it to this day. I've always looked at it in awe and wonder, so to even be offered this opportunity feels like a real milestone moment."
The BRIT Awards will air on Saturday 28 February on ITV1 and ITVX.
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Authors
Katelyn Mensah is the Senior Entertainment Writer for Radio Times, covering all major entertainment programmes, reality TV shows and the latest hard-hitting documentaries. She previously worked at The Tab, with a focus on reality TV and showbiz news and has obtained a BA (Hons) in Journalism.
