The BRIT Awards has revealed the results of an independent economic and social impact study into its 2026 show at Co-op Live, Manchester.
It marked the first time in the ceremony's nearly five-decade history that the ceremony has been held outside London.
The report confirms that The BRITs' move to Manchester delivered significant economic and social impact for the city and Greater Manchester area.
In an independent study conducted by AMION Consulting, figures released today detail the event’s footprint in the city and Greater Manchester area, demonstrated through social value, partnerships and strengthened city profile, with the local economy boosted by visitor and organiser spending.
A wider programme of events extended the reach of the BRITs beyond the ceremony itself, including BRITs Week gigs, Fringe Lab education days, Manchester Welcomes programming, The BRITs Art Trail, industry networking events, media activity, educational engagement and community focused initiatives.
Economic and social impact
• £5 million net additional expenditure in Manchester, of which £3.6 million was visitor expenditure and £1.4 million was organiser and partner expenditure
• £3.45 million Gross Value Added
• Over 3,000 one week temporary jobs were created (3,099), equivalent to 15,497 days of employment for Manchester based workers
• The social impact could be monetised to the sum of £11.2 million
The economic assessment focused on spending retained in Manchester that would otherwise not have taken place in the city across visitor spending and organiser and partner spending. To avoid overstating the impact, the assessment excluded ticket income and was adjusted for displacement. The assessment also removed spending which took place outside of the city and Greater Manchester area.
Music can connect people and shape culture, but it also creates jobs, drives investment and inspires future careers
Stacey Tang
The social impact assessment considers the wider value generated for people and communities, including cultural participation, civic pride, digital engagement and Manchester’s strengthened profile as a major events destination.
AMION Consulting found that the event also delivered wider benefits not captured in these headline figures, including stronger local partnerships, increased visibility for Manchester’s music ecosystem, positive impacts on perceptions of the city, a clear uplift in hotel performance, education and careers activity, city centre cultural activation and community engagement throughout the wider BRITs programme.
Audience and media reach
• Almost 25,000 people (24,912) attended the BRIT Awards Show and wider events. 52% (12,850) of this overall total attended wider programme events
• 92% of Award Show attendees rated the experience as excellent or good, whilst 94% of attendees at wider BRITs events rated them as excellent or good
The move to Manchester broadened access to the BRITs and helped engage new audiences beyond the night of the Award Show itself, including extensive media and digital coverage.
Stacey Tang, co-president of RCA Records at Sony Music UK, and chair of the BRITs Committee, said: “Moving the BRITs to Manchester was about more than moving an awards show. It’s about shining a light on the incredible talent and creative communities across the UK, opening up opportunities, and widening participation. Music can connect people and shape culture, but it also creates jobs, drives investment and inspires future careers. This report captures both sides of that story – the economic impact and the human impact. That's what makes this such an exciting foundation to build on for the future.”
Dr Jo Twist OBE, CEO of the BPI, which owns and organises The BRIT Awards, said: “Music has the power to connect people and communities in unique ways, and these impressive economic, social and cultural returns to Manchester are testament to that power. Moving significant cultural moments like The BRIT Awards and Fringe out of London deliver enormous value to cities and regions around the UK and reflect the diversity of talent we have across the country.
“We’re delighted that a legacy is being created for the city and its communities, and we look forward to building on that in the coming months as we work with our record label members and all our partners to deliver an even more memorable and impactful series of events in 2027.”
Moving significant cultural moments like The BRIT Awards and Fringe out of London deliver enormous value to cities and regions around the UK
Dr Jo Twist
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Bev Craig, said: “Manchester is known throughout the world for its incredible music scene, and bringing the BRIT Awards here for the first time was a massive moment for our city region. It was a recognition not only of our unmatched music heritage, but our growing reputation for putting on national and global events and making a success of them.
“Events like these bring millions of pounds into our economy and boost our culture and hospitality industries, but they’re also about creating opportunities and inspiring people here with major events in world-class venues right on their doorstep.
“We’ve done it once in style, and we’ll do it again next year. I’m excited to help make 2027 an even bigger year for The BRITs, celebrating our thriving music scene and showcasing the creativity, talent and ambition that make this place so special.”
The 2027 BRIT Awards will take place on Saturday, February 27 at Manchester’s Co-op Live, airing again on ITV1 and ITVX in a prime-time weekend slot.
PHOTO: Olivia Dean performing at Manchester Albert Hall during BRITs Week (credit: Aaron Parsons)
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