Manchester rolls out red carpet for galaxy of music stars as BRITs effect brings welcome business boost to city
After months of planning Manchester is gearing up to welcome a line-up of global music icons who are heading to the city for this weekend’s BRIT Awards with Mastercard.
Hosting the biggest night in British music here in Manchester at Co-op Live – the first time in the near 50-year history of the awards they’ve been held outside London – will have the eyes of the world on the city, and at the same time bring with it a significant economic boost, with the city’s hotels, restaurants, venues, bars, shops, and others all set to benefit.
And with the first-ever BRITs Fringe also bringing free-to-attend activities including music industry workshops and masterclasses for young musicians and others who are looking to break into the music industry, as well as sessions for school pupils, and live music showcases for up-and-coming Manchester musicians, the impact of The BRITs is being felt across the city region.
The BRITs takeover of the city also sees a host of activity for local residents and visitors to get involved in to celebrate the arrival of the awards in Manchester, including The BRITs Art Trail – a fantastic art trail curated by celebrated Manchester artist Stanley Chow, championing the cream of the crop of North West artists – and A Microdot Design, a special exhibition showcasing over three decades of British music artwork and design by renowned designer and art director Brian Cannon.
Live music lovers have also been spoilt for choice with gigs throughout the week from both established artists and Manchester’s own newest young musicians.
Global music stars Josh Baker, The K’s, Rossi, Olivia Dean and Robbie Williams have all been in Manchester this last week, playing shows at venues including YES, Gorilla, and Albert Hall, and Aviva Studios, as part of BRITs Week for War Child, Delivered by DHL.
Meanwhile over at New Century Hall gig-goers got the chance to see four of Manchester’s rising stars on the city’s music scene with live performances from Chloe Slater, Meduulla, Nxdia, and Third Culture, alongside DJ sets reflecting the breadth and energy of Greater Manchester’s contemporary music scene.
With the fastest growing economy in the UK and a reputation as a city that has both the expertise and experience, as well as the necessary physical infrastructure to support the delivery of world-class events that play out on a global stage, city leaders believe Manchester and The BRITs are a perfect fit for each other.
Being chosen to host not only The BRITs this year but also next year’s awards as the 50th anniversary of the first-ever BRIT Awards in 1977 approaches, is also seen as a major coup for the city.
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “The BRIT Awards and Manchester were made for each other. As a city that is already known across the globe for music and culture, alongside our expertise in major world class events, we’ve come together to make the BRITs in Manchester a special celebration and the best ever.
“Music, culture, and creativity are a massive part of Manchester, both as a way of life, and a driver that’s helped our city grow, helping shape what the city is today and what it will be tomorrow.
“The BRITs in Manchester was never about just a one-off event, but about how we inspire our communities and the next generation of music industry talent to make their mark, and so we set about to do something different, a city takeover with events and activities that everyone can get involved in – and from art trails to live music we’re already seeing its success. We’re big believers in the power of music and culture to change lives, which is why we’re also really proud that this year has seen the first-ever BRITs Fringe take place across the city in the run-up to the awards, creating fantastic learning opportunities and other unique experiences for local people to get involved in.
“As we gear up for tonight’s awards, the economic impact to the city is huge, with a big boost to our local economy and businesses across the city set to benefit from the BRITs’ effect.
“It’s been brilliant to work with the whole BRITs team – together with our partners in the city and at Co-op Live – to support them in delivering this year’s BRIT Awards here in Manchester. We promised the BRITS an unforgettable Mancunian welcome and a legendary music takeover, and we’re on track not to disappoint, and to further cement ourselves as an iconic music city.”
Find out more information about The BRITs Fringe in Manchester
