Music’s top talents converge on Manchester for the city’s inaugural BRIT Awards at Co-op Live arena. Celebrities, influencers, and executives fill the streets, blending excitement, nerves, and local pride on the eve of the event.

Jack Whitehall Prepares Quietly

Host Jack Whitehall, 37, chooses a subdued evening with fiancée Roxy Horner, 34, dining privately at The Lowry hotel. The five-star venue, featuring a spa, barbers, and River Restaurant, starts at £150 per night. Despite his sixth time hosting, observers note Whitehall appears tense and anxious amid the high stakes of Manchester’s debut.

No parties or champagne for the parents of one; they share a quiet table, possibly reviewing scripts. Hosting pressure intensifies with the show’s northern shift.

Sharon Osbourne’s Somber Lunch

Sharon Osbourne, 73, lunches with a team member, projecting composure ahead of accepting an award for late husband Ozzy Osbourne. Her children join for support during the emotional presentation.

Soho House Buzz

Newly opened Soho House Manchester draws Fleur East, Will Best, Tyler West, and Molly Rainford for a vibrant night. East and Best party with DJ Roger Sanchez before Hits Radio duties. West seems pensive, co-hosting the red carpet with TikTok star Charley Marlowe. Insiders highlight Tyler’s nerves from rocky rehearsals, with Marlowe’s energy poised to shine.

Robbie Williams Rocks War Child Gig

Robbie Williams performs at Aviva Studios, sporting a ‘Roy Division’ T-shirt nodding to Joy Division and Roy Keane. He reflects on Take That’s Netflix documentary: “I don’t think anyone has seen a man smugger than Robbie Williams in that second episode. I f***ing beat them didn’t I… So for this moment I’m just getting rid of shame and guilt… lean into ‘they’re all ****s’.” He affirms love for bandmate Gary, then launches into Ego a Go Go.

Luxury Hotel Stays

At £335-per-night Stock Exchange Hotel, co-owned by Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs, Mark Ronson rests before his ‘Contribution to Music’ honor. Past guests include Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, the Gallaghers, and David Beckham. Spanish star Rosalía explores the city instead. Deansgate station renames to ‘Olivia Deansgate’ for nominee Olivia Dean, showcasing city spirit.

Venue and Performers

Co-op Live, a £365 million venue, hosts for the first time outside London in 50 years. Harry Styles invests; performers include Raye, Olivia Dean, Wolf Alice, EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI, HUNTR/X voices, Alex Warren, Mark Ronson, ROSALÍA, and SOMBR. Lola Young and Olivia Dean lead with five nominations each; Lily Allen earns three. Female/non-binary artists claim 70% of nods, reversing past criticism.

Logistics and Impact

Officials close roads for celebrity convoys, easing access to the outlying arena. Blacked-out Mercedes line streets as teams hustle. The event boosts Manchester’s economy significantly.

Key Nominations

Artist of the Year

• Dave
• Fred Again…
• JADE
• Lily Allen
• Little Simz
• Lola Young
• Olivia Dean
• PinkPantheress
• Sam Fender
• Self Esteem

Group of the Year

• The Last Dinner Party
• Pulp
• Sleep Token
• Wet Leg
• Wolf Alice

Full categories span Song of the Year, International awards, Breakthrough Artist, and genre acts like Alternative Rock, Hip Hop/Grime/Rap, R&B, and Dance. Mastercard Album of the Year nominees: Dave’s The Boy Who Played The Harp, Lily Allen’s West End Girl, Olivia Dean’s The Art Of Loving, Sam Fender’s People Watching, Wolf Alice’s The Clearing.

From intimate dinners to high-energy gigs, Manchester pulses with anticipation for the glamour-filled night.