The Brit Awards 2026 in Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena delivered the expected blend of musical triumph and delightful chaos. Beyond the televised wins for artists like Olivia Dean – who dominated the night with four awards – and electrifying performances from Raye, Sombr, and a dynamic Mark Ronson mash-up, a hidden world of behind-the-scenes moments unfolded.
Harry Styles’ highly anticipated performance opened the show, and even before the curtain rose, he was remarkably composed. Dancers took their places, then Styles himself appeared, casually joking with the crew while Faithless’ “Insomnia” pulsed through the speakers. A quick, gazelle-like jump after exiting the stage revealed a performer brimming with energy despite the polished choreography.
Noel Gallagher experienced a brief, bleeped-out moment during his acceptance speech for Songwriter of the Year. A spirited shout-out to his football team, Manchester City, containing a single expletive, was swiftly silenced by ITV’s censors. Despite host Jack Whitehall’s quip about the Baftas’ bleeping team, the network was taking no chances with potentially contentious language throughout the night.
The censorship extended beyond Gallagher. Artists like Angry Ginge and Geese found their statements cut short, and even Whitehall’s pre-written jokes weren’t immune, with a reference to Peter Mandelson triggering the bleep button. The atmosphere was one of careful navigation around potentially sensitive topics.
Huntr/x’s performance presented a unique experience – or lack thereof – for those in the arena. Opting for a pre-recorded clip filmed with superfans outside the venue, the performance created an unsettling stillness within the arena. With lights dimmed and no stage activity, the space felt eerily empty during the song.
Dua Lipa’s entrance during the Mark Ronson mash-up was a spectacle. Descending from the ceiling atop a giant disco ball, draped in a massive fur coat, she ignited the crowd. Unseen by viewers, a dedicated crew had been constructing the platform around the disco ball during a preceding R&B act, hinting at the impending surprise.
The true power of the Mark Ronson segment, however, lay in a poignant tribute to Amy Winehouse. As a clip of the late singer played, the entire arena erupted in a heartfelt, word-perfect rendition of “Back to Black.” The sheer volume of the crowd’s tribute was largely lost on the television broadcast, a testament to the raw emotion felt within the venue.
The night culminated in a series of after-parties. The official Brits after-party, held at the Co-op Live, buzzed with energy and even featured tarot readers. A more intimate gathering, hosted by independent label Empire and Move Good with Bebe Rexha as the guest of honour, offered free drinks and a chance to see Rexha herself take to the DJ decks.
As the night drew to a close, the after-parties offered a glimpse into the celebratory spirit of the music industry. While details remained delightfully blurred, social media promised a flood of stories and glimpses into the wild nights of the artists, and whispers of extravagant gift bags from Sony.
