For over 30 years, War Child has worked in some of the world’s most dangerous places to protect children, support their mental health, provide education, and stand up for their rights. No child should be part of war. Ever. Yet conflict tears through the lives of millions of children.

War Child exists to respond to crises and ensure that children’s futures are not lost to the consequences of war. Often among the first on the ground when a crisis breaks out, its teams and partners provide emergency aid. But even when the bombs stop falling, the trauma remains, and children still need support to heal and rebuild their lives. War Child focus on protection, education, and mental health and psychosocial support, delivered by local specialists. It also campaigns to tackle root causes of conflict and amplify children’s voices, so they can shape futures.

Since 2009, the organisation has collaborated with the BRIT Awards to host BRITs Week, a run of small-venue gigs across the UK featuring major artists. These shows take place in the lead-up to the annual BRIT Awards ceremony, offering fans the chance to see big names in intimate settings while supporting a vital cause. Since the partnership began, millions of pounds have been raised, directly supporting children with food, shelter, mental health care, and education around the world.

This collaboration highlights the power of music as a force for good. By joining forces with War Child, the BRITs Week concerts channel the energy of live performance into tangible support for children living through conflict. The partnership shows that cultural events, when aligned with humanitarian goals, can become powerful platforms for raising awareness and delivering hope, turning shared experiences of music into lasting resilience for those who need it most.

For more information on BRITs Week For War Child - BRITs Week for War Child

For more information on War Child, and to donate - War Child

Harnessing the power and profile of The BRIT Awards to spotlight Manchester’s dynamic music scene.

Created to amplify and extend the impact of the BRITs in Manchester, BRITs Fringe celebrates the region's rich musical heritage, its vibrant contemporary scene and the next generation shaping the future of UK music.

Under the banner 'Manchester Seen and Heard', BRITs Fringe is about amplifying grassroots creativity, elevating local voices and connecting emerging talent with the wider music industry.

Delivered by Brighter Sound 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.

For February 2026 there will be four key strands. These form part of a wider two-year programme of activity to celebrate the BRIT Awards coming to Manchester.

Kate Lowes, Director at Brighter Sound, said: “We’re thrilled to be announcing some of the incredible artists and industry figures joining us for BRITs Fringe – with more to be announced in the coming days. The line-up reflects both the calibre and generosity of people ready to share knowledge and open doors for the next generation. We’ve had a fantastic response from local creatives and can’t wait to welcome everyone to our events in the week leading up to the awards. From development sessions to live showcases, we’re focused on creating clear, meaningful pathways for Greater Manchester talent.”

For More Information, Click Here

MANCHESTER WELCOMES…

THE BRITs 2026

FIRST EVER CITYWIDE PROGRAMME OF CULTURAL ACTIVITY

IN LEAD UP TO UK’S BIGGEST NIGHT IN MUSIC

GLOBALLY CELEBRATED MANCHESTER ARTIST STANLEY CHOW’S CURATED ART TRAIL, BELOVED BRITISH DESIGNER AND ART DIRECTOR BRIAN CANNON’S EXHIBITION, FRINGE LAB PROGRAMME OF EVENTS AND EDUCATION, BRITs WEEK MANCHESTER SHOWS AND MORE

THE BRIT AWARDS 2026 WITH MASTERCARD

SATURDAY 28TH FEBRUARY 2026 AT CO-OP LIVE, MANCHESTER LIVE ON ITV AND ITX

HOSTED BY JACK WHITEHALL

12th February - The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard today shares details of a bold, citywide cultural programme as the countdown continues to the biggest night in British music. The excitement is palpable across the city and wider North West region as it gears up to celebrate the BRITs’ debut show in its new Manchester home, the Co-op Live, on Saturday 28th February, when the world’s biggest stars arrive for a jam-packed show broadcast live exclusively on ITV and ITVX.

From a curated art trail championing North-West artists to a bespoke exhibition showcasing iconic music artwork; with new details announced for FRINGE LAB, delivered by Brighter Sound and Manchester Music City, and a number of BRITs Week for War Child, Delivered by DHL shows taking place in Manchester; alongside an in-conversation event with one of Manchester’s musical pioneers to a special zine celebrating the BRITs and the city; plus free tram travel for BRITs ticketholders whilst hundreds of students from Manchester universities have been invited into the front of stage pit to attend - this calendar of activity will transform the city into a cultural playground and place Manchester at the heart of the BRITs.

Thursday 12th February - Monday 16th March

The BRITs Art Trail

Northern Quarter and Ancoats

Curated by renowned Manchester artist Stanley Chow and produced by local creative producers Wild in Art, this citywide art trail will bring Manchester’s streets to life across the Northern Quarter and Ancoats from Thursday 12th February. Featuring work from 21 North-West artists, the trail will unfold across striking wall murals, immersive window installations and bold billboard takeovers, transforming everyday city spaces into an open air gallery.

Celebrating Manchester’s vibrant creative community, the trail invites audiences to explore the city through art in the build up to the BRIT Awards, placing local talent front and centre across some of its most well known areas.

Featuring 21 artists including Stanley Chow, Kim Thompson, The Hammo, Jay Sharples, Oskar with a K, Clare Birtwistle, Caroline Dowsett, Pete Obsolete, Qubek, Jonathan Edwards, Rick Hyde, Florence Burns, David Bailey, Daren Newman, himHallows, Jessica Lee, Luke Insect, Charlie Cross, Barney Ibbotson, Dotto and Bed Studio.

Stanley Chow said: "I’m immensely proud to be asked to curate the Art Trail around The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard in Manchester, especially as a proud Manc. It also gives me great pleasure to showcase some of the great artistic talents we have in the North-West too.”

Click into the BRITs Art Trail pins to find out more about each piece, including the artist and title.