Harry Styles Set for BRIT Awards TV Debut in Manchester

Harry Styles will perform at the BRIT Awards 2026 on February 28 at Manchester's Co-op Live arena. This show will feature the first live television performance of songs from his new album, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally. The event brings together top UK music talent, with breakout singer Olivia Dean also on the bill.

Background

The BRIT Awards have been a key part of the UK music scene since 1977. They started as the British Record Industry Awards and later became known as the BRITs. Each year, the ceremony honors achievements in music across categories like best album, best artist, and best single. Artists perform live, often debuting new material to large audiences.

Manchester hosts the 2026 edition at Co-op Live, a new venue that opened in 2024. This arena holds over 23,000 people and has already hosted major concerts by acts like Billie Eilish and Liam Gallagher. Choosing Manchester shifts the event from its usual London spot, giving northern fans a closer look at the action.

Harry Styles rose to fame with One Direction in 2010. After the band paused in 2016, he launched a solo career. His albums include Harry in 2017, Fine Line in 2019, Harry's House in 2022, and now this new release. Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally. comes after a break where he focused on acting in films like Don't Look Up and My Policeman. Fans have waited for fresh music, and early singles have topped charts.

Olivia Dean, the other confirmed performer, gained notice with her 2023 album Messy. Her soulful sound mixes R&B and pop. She has toured with artists like Leon Bridges and earned praise for live shows that blend raw emotion with strong vocals.

"We're thrilled to bring the BRIT Awards to Manchester for the first time, with Harry Styles leading the performances," said a BRIT Awards spokesperson.

Past BRITs have seen iconic moments, like Adele's emotional speeches or Dua Lipa's dance routines. The 2026 show expects similar energy, broadcast live on ITV to millions.

Key Details

The ceremony runs on Saturday, February 28, starting at 8 PM local time. Co-op Live, in the Etihad Campus, offers modern facilities with top sound and lighting. Tickets went on sale shortly after the announcement, with general admission and premium packages available.

Styles' performance centers on Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally., his fourth solo album. It drops later this month, with tracks blending disco influences and personal lyrics. This TV debut lets viewers see the new songs in a full production setup, complete with dancers and visuals.

Performers and Hosts

Olivia Dean joins Styles, bringing her rising star power. More acts and presenters will be revealed soon. The host has not been named yet, but recent years featured comedians like Mo Gilligan. Nominees cover British and international artists, with categories announced earlier this month.

Awards include Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year. Voters include music industry members, fans, and judges. Styles has won multiple BRITs before, including British Artist of the Year in 2020.

The event partners with Mastercard, which sponsors performances. This tie-up has brought exclusive fan experiences in past years, like pre-show parties.

What This Means

Styles' appearance signals a big return to music after his acting phase. The album's disco theme taps into a trend seen in hits by Dua Lipa and The Weeknd. Performing it first at the BRITs gives the project instant exposure to UK viewers and global streams.

For Manchester, hosting boosts the local economy. Co-op Live has created jobs and drawn tourists. The BRITs could spotlight northern talent, with acts like Dean representing fresh voices.

Fans get a rare chance to see Styles live on TV without touring yet. His shows sell out fast, so this broadcast fills a gap. The lineup hints at a night mixing pop anthems with soul cuts.

Broader impacts include higher streams for new releases post-show. Past BRIT performances often push songs up charts. Styles' set could set the tone for his album launch, influencing radio play and playlists.

The move to Manchester tests a new format. If successful, future BRITs might rotate cities, making the awards more accessible. Security and logistics for 23,000 fans involve close coordination with local authorities.

Olivia Dean's slot raises her profile. Sharing the stage with Styles exposes her to his massive fanbase, potentially leading to collaborations or tours.

Overall, the 2026 BRIT Awards position themselves as a launchpad for 2026 music. With Styles debuting material and Dean shining, the night promises memorable moments for attendees and viewers alike.