BRITs Ditch London for Manchester: Trophy Gets Amber Makeover

For the first time in its 46-year history, the BRIT Awards will move away from London, with the 2026 ceremony set to take place in Manchester. This significant shift aims to break the awards' 'London-centric' reputation and connect with new audiences across the UK. Accompanying this relocation, the BRIT trophy is undergoing a transformation, transitioning from its traditional opaque design to a transparent amber-colored resin.

The new trophy design, created by local designer Matthew Williamson, is inspired by Manchester's worker bee emblem, symbolizing the city's industrial past and resilience. While the official reasoning highlights audience expansion, insiders suggest that cost-cutting is a major driver, as events in the capital are increasingly expensive.

The move signals a new era for the BRIT Awards, which has hosted legendary moments at London's O2 Arena since 2011. Although concerns exist about potential travel costs for London-based artists and reduced participation from major labels, the relocation is expected to invigorate the ceremony and share its prestige with a wider national audience.