Brighter Sound to lead the first ever BRITs Fringe

We're thrilled to announce that we're delivering the first ever BRITs Fringe, here in our home city of Manchester.

Under the banner 'Manchester Seen and Heard', BRITs Fringe will harness The BRIT Awards’ global platform to amplify grassroots creativity, elevate local voices and connect emerging talent with the wider music industry.

Delivered in collaboration with Manchester Music City and supported by Manchester City Council, GMCA and the Manchester Accommodation BID - BRITs Fringe shines a spotlight on Manchester’s dynamic music scene through an exciting programme of events.

With the BRITs in the city for two years, 2026 is a year for seeding ideas. In 2027 we'll nurture and grow them – ensuring a lasting impact beyond the awards' ceremonies.

For February 2026 there will be three key strands:

FRINGE LAB

A one-day creative music industry forum and live showcase taking place at New Century Hall on Friday 27 February, the day before the BRIT Awards 2026.

Bringing together emerging artists, music professionals and creatives, FRINGE LAB features bold talks, hands-on workshops, immersive masterclasses and high-energy discussions. The day will culminate in a live public showcase spotlighting four of Manchester’s potential future BRIT Award winners.

Tickets for FRINGE LAB are available now

First Steps

In the days leading up to the awards, we'll also deliver three targeted events for young learners aimed at supporting them to pursue careers in the music industry. 

Hosted at Band on the Wall (in partnership with The Manchester College), the School of Digital Arts (SODA) at Manchester Metropolitan University, and the Royal Northern College of Music, these sessions aim to inspire, upskill and empower the next generation of Manchester’s music talent. 

Schools Collaboration

A collaborative project with Manchester's music education service One Education will take BRITs Fringe into schools, further encouraging early musical engagement and nurturing creativity at every level.

Partnership Approach

We're not doing this alone. Grounded in collaboration, the BRITs Fringe brings together local and national partners to create meaningful, long-term impact for the city.

Educational activity is being co-designed and co-delivered with further, higher and alternative education providers across Manchester.

We're also working with a steering group of Greater Manchester creatives and music professionals (made up of representatives from the Manchester Music City network and the Greater Manchester Music Commission) to ensure the BRITs Fringe is rooted in local scenes.

Thank you to our steering group:

Afrodeutsche, Adele Tondu (Reform Radio), FREEQUENCY3, Jenna G, Karen Gabay, Katherine Cantwell (Heavenly Recordings), Kirsty Fairclough (School of Digital Arts), and Tom Clarke (Sharp Project).

More to be announced

Visit our dedicated BRITs Fringe page or follow us on social media to keep up-to-date with the latest announcements.

For press requests please contact our Head of Marketing and Communications Rebecca Horn.