Brit Awards 2026: The surprise performers, tributes, and bits you might not have seen

Manchester legends, suprise appearances from Bjork and Dua Lipa, and a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne complete with a message from Dolly Parton - this was the Brit Awards 2026.

Olivia Dean was the night's big success story, taking home four awards including artist of the year and best album, and there were also wins for acts including Sam Fender, Wolf Alice, Lola Young and Dave. But as much as celebrating the winners, the Brits is all about the performances, the surprises, the bits you don't see.

This year's ceremony took place in Manchester for the first time. Here are our stand-out moments for 2026.

Manchester's finest all on the guest-list When you move the party to Manchester, there are certain people you have to invite. Happy Mondays stars Shaun Ryder and Bez are of course on the guestlist, and you need a Gallagher brother in the mix.

Happily, Noel Gallagher was presented with a special award for songwriting, in honour of the back catalogue that soundtracked the summer when Oasis reunited last year. Receiving a standing ovation as he walked on to the stage, he started with what would once have been uncharacteristic thanks to his little brother, Liam, and all the musicians who played in Oasis over the years.

"I've got to thank my brother," he began, pausing for the inevitable cheer from the crowd. "And Bonehead and Guigsy, Tony McCarroll, Alan White, Gem (Archer) and Andy (Bell), they brought those songs to life.

"Without them, I'd just be a singer-songwriter, and no one gives a sh*t about singer-songwriters. But more importantly I'd like to thank you, the people who've kept those songs alive for the last 35 years." Gallagher's award presentation included a surprise video message from an honorary Manchester legend - Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who told him to share the award with Liam.

Ryder and Bez were suitably chaotic as host Jack Whitehall visited their table. Ryder told Whitehall he doesn't remember a lot about Brits ceremonies in the band's 1980s heyday, but does recall a story about being let off during a police bust because he had to be at the show.

Which is, as Whitehall rightly puts it, the most "on brand story" they could have told. The key to their friendship is their "42-year sexless marriage.