Key Highlights
- The BRIT Awards 2026 is expanding into a new era with artists playing in Newcastle, London, Edinburgh, Nottingham, Brighton, and Manchester.
- Olivia Dean will perform at the Albert Hall on February 26th, while The K’s will rock Gorilla in Manchester on February 20th.
- Proceeds from these shows support War Child’s work to help children affected by war globally.
- War Child has partnered with artists like Fatboy Slim and others for a series of intimate concerts during BRITs Week 26.
The Expansion of the BRIT Awards: A New Era in Live Concerts
The BRIT Awards are set to make their biggest move yet, expanding beyond London’s traditional venue to multiple cities across the UK. This year, the iconic music event will take over Manchester for a special week-long series of shows, marking a significant shift from its nearly 50-year history. With the awards leaving the capital and heading northward, BRITs Week 26 promises an exciting lineup of performances that span genres and locations.
Olivia Dean at Albert Hall: A Rare Intimate Performance
On February 26th, GRAMMY and five-time BRIT Award nominee Olivia Dean will bring her soulful blend of pop to Manchester’s historic Albert Hall. This will be a rare opportunity for fans to see the global superstar perform on a smaller stage, surrounded by the stunning architecture of this former Wesleyan church. With its stained glass windows and original features, the venue perfectly complements Dean’s stunning sound, offering an intimate setting that promises to captivate audiences.
Support Acts and Other Performances
The first wave of support acts has also been announced for BRITs Week 26. Bimini, Max Jones, Delilah and Alexandria, Olive F, Gabriella Cilmi, Saint Raymond, and CARI will all perform at various venues across the country. Notable among these is Fatboy Slim, who will headline on February 12th in Newcastle, supported by Radio 1 DJ Search Winner 2023 Max Jones.
War Child’s Involvement: Supporting Children Affected by War
Proceeds from all these shows will go towards War Child’s essential work. The charity aims to provide aid, education, specialist mental health support, and more while standing up for the rights of children whose lives have been devastated by war. By partnering with some of the biggest names in music, War Child hopes to reach a wider audience and raise vital funds.
How to Get Tickets
Fans can sign up for the War Child pre-sale on their website, which closes at 3pm on Wednesday, January 28th. The general sale begins at 10am on Thursday, January 29th. There’s also a chance to win tickets by entering the prize draw; fans can make a £10 donation per entry.
A Message from Clare Sanders-Wright, Head of Live Music at War Child
Clare Sanders-Wright expressed her excitement about adding new names and support acts to the lineup. “BRITs Week for War Child wouldn’t be possible without the incredible generosity of the artists, their teams, and our partners,” she said. “We’re thrilled that these performances will help us continue our vital work to protect, educate, and stand up for children affected by war.”
Conclusion
A Night of Music for a Global Cause
This year’s BRITs Week is set to be more than just a celebration of the music industry. It’s an opportunity for fans to support a worthy cause while enjoying performances from some of their favorite artists. As Manchester prepares to host this special event, it’s clear that the expansion of the BRIT Awards is not only bringing excitement but also making a significant impact on children’s lives globally.
By attending these shows and supporting War Child, music lovers can contribute directly to helping children rebuild their futures in conflict zones. It’s an event where every ticket sold and donation made matters, ensuring that no child has to be part of war ever again.
