BRIT Awards 2026

The RNCM played a prominent role in this year’s BRIT Awards, which took place in Manchester for the first time in the ceremony’s history.

RNCM students, alumni, and partners contributed on stage, behind the scenes, and across the wider BRITs Fringe programme.

More than 25 alumni*, along with current students Gabriela Costa Peres (cello) and Saulo Roberto (double bass), performed with Rosalía and special guest Björk as part of the Heritage Orchestra. Alumni Joe Luckin (drums), Charles Macdonald (guitar), and Chris Rabbits (bass) joined Alex Warren’s set, featuring the Hallé Choir and Orchestra. Alumni Liv Thompson (bass) and Nadia Eskandari (violin) performed as part of RAYE’s band, while graduate Sam Harding’s audio‑visual studio, Machinesinger, designed the screen visuals for Olivia Dean.

As part of Manchester City Council’s commitment to celebrating the city’s vibrant musical talent, 70 RNCM students were invited to attend the main ceremony at Co‑op Live on Saturday 28 February. The invitation offered emerging artists and industry professionals first‑hand exposure to one of the UK’s biggest music events.

Beyond awards night, the RNCM also contributed to the BRITs Fringe, a city‑wide programme delivered in partnership with Brighter Sound. The First Steps into Selling Your Music workshop, held at the RNCM on Thursday 26 February, offered early‑career musicians practical guidance on navigating the commercial side of the industry.

Professor Linda Merrick CBE, Principal, said: ‘It was a pleasure to host one of the BRITs Fringe events and to welcome so many aspiring young artists and industry guests to the RNCM.

‘The BRITs are a key platform for emerging and established artists and supporting events like this are invaluable in helping the next generation understand not just how to create great music, but how to build sustainable careers around it.

‘I would also like to extend congratulations to all the students and alumni who performed at the Co‑op Arena on Saturday night. You did the RNCM and Manchester proud.’

*Cleo Annandale, Naomi Atherton, Kim Becker, Jenny Cox, Andy Crick, Sophia Dignam, Matt Dunn, Rhiannon Fallows, Gary Farr, Josh Hall, Sophie Hastings, Rebecca Howell, Matt Kitteringham, Nathan Knight, Liz Lister, Sarah Masters, Orla McGarrity, Alex Mitchell, Rachel Wong, Rakhi Singh, Eva Thorarinsdottir, Dewi Tudor Jones, Lily Vernon-Purves, Polly Virr, Helen Wilson, and Harrison Wood.

2 March 2026