The Brit Awards are officially preparing for a shift in 2026. For the first time in the event's nearly 50-year history, the ceremony will not take place in London. Instead, it will move to Manchester.The upcoming 2026 edition of the Brit Awards will be held at Co-op Live on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Alongside the venue change, the ceremony will also welcome back comedian Jack Whitehall to host the show once again. It will be his sixth time in the role.Manchester was chosen as the new host city of the 2026 Brit Awards. Organizers say the move is part of an effort to recognize talent across regions and broaden accessibility. Manchester has often been described as the "UK capital of music and culture." Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham called it a "massive coup," stating:"After 48 years, it is great that this prestigious global event is about to arrive in the UK capital of music and culture. Greater Manchester has an unparalleled music heritage known around the world." View this post on Instagram Instagram PostIt is worth noting that the organizers confirmed earlier this year that the ceremony will be hosted in Manchester in 2026 and again in 2027.Jack Whitehall's official statement on hosting the 2026 Brit AwardsSpeaking about returning to host, 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."Brits took to their official Instagram page to announce that,"Jack Whitehall is returning for his sixth, yep that's right, SIXTH year as host of The BRIT Awards with @mastercarduk! “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... I cannot wait." The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard, Co-op Live, Saturday 28th February"Whitehall previously hosted the ceremony in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2025. Whitehall revealed the news of his return through a comedic "Ode to Manchester" video, in which he referenced the Curry Mile, Coronation Street and the city's history.Along with the venue and hosting update, the shortlist for the 2026 Critics' Choice Award was revealed earlier in 2025. The nominees are Jacob Alon, Rose Gray, and SIENNA SPIRO. The award is supported by BBC Radio 1. The winner will be announced in January 2026.The 2026 event will be broadcast live on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player. Public tickets are now available via the official award website.Also Read: "He'll be fine in 6,7 days": Netizens react as Candace Owens says she senses Tim Pool is under "financial pressure" following his viral rant"She's flattered that he's made such a big effort": How Justin Trudeau reportedly won over Katy Perry and made their romance "real"