Universal Music Group UK closed out a landmark night at the 2026 BRIT Awards with a star-studded celebration at The Ivy Spinningfields, as winners Olivia Dean, Sam Fender, Lola Young and Jacob Alon gathered to toast their success.

Held on 28 February in Manchester, the Universal Music Group UK BRIT Awards After-Party brought together artists, actors and industry figures following a ceremony that saw UMG talent dominate some of the biggest categories of the night.

Olivia Dean was among the evening’s standout winners. After performing her chart-topping hit “Man I Need” during the ceremony, she earned the first award of the night alongside Sam Fender, winning Song of The Year with Mastercard for “Rein Me In”. She then went on to collect Artist of The Year, Mastercard Album of The Year for “The Art of Loving” and Pop Act, after leading the field with five nominations.

With “The Art of Loving” and “Man I Need”, Olivia became the first solo British female artist since Adele in 2021 to simultaneously hold the No.1 album and No.1 single spots on the UK Official Charts. Her success at the BRIT Awards follows swiftly after her Grammy Award win for Best New Artist, capping an extraordinary 12 months.

Sam Fender, representing the North in a great northern city, also celebrated a major double win, taking home Alternative/Rock Act in addition to Song of The Year. The victories mark his fifth overall BRIT Award, following his 2025 Mercury Prize win for “People Watching”.

Lola Young secured the Breakthrough Artist award, having also been nominated for Artist of The Year, Song of The Year for “Messy”, Pop Act and Alt/Rock Act. The win comes just weeks after she earned her first Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance for “Messy”, making the Manchester celebration particularly poignant.

Scottish singer-songwriter Jacob Alon collected the Critics’ Choice prize. His debut album “In Limerence”, released last year, received critical acclaim and was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize. Elsewhere at the BRITs, Dave won Hip Hop/Grime/Rap Act.

All three headline winners had performed at UMG UK’s Pre-BRITs Showcase last year, where they were spotlighted as artists on the brink of global success, a prediction that now appears firmly realised.

The after-party guest list reflected the breadth of the UK’s creative community. Holly Humberstone, Self Esteem, Jeff Goldblum, Rose Gray, December 10, Femi of Ezra Collective, Harris Dickinson, Elliot James Reay, Francis Bourgeois, Stephen Libby, Bez, Arveene, Zezi and DJ Lamby were among those in attendance.

Music for the evening was delivered by DJs Rose Gray, Femi of Ezra Collective, Bez, Arveene, Zezi and DJ Lamby, providing the soundtrack as winners posed for photographs and celebrated with friends and collaborators.

The festivities formed part of a wider BRITs Week programme hosted by UMG UK in Manchester. On 27 February, the company staged its Pre-BRIT Awards Showcase 2026 at Aviva Studios, highlighting emerging talent including boyband December 10, FLO and Holly Humberstone, hosted by DJ and presenter Maia Beth. The week also included UMG’s Artist Gifting Suite, an Island Records gig at YES, Fringe Week panel appearances and listening events from The Collective including EMI North, the launch of a new music education initiative and a collaboration at the newly opened Umusic Shop in Camden with Matthew Williamson, designer of this year’s BRIT Awards trophy, featuring refreshed merchandise from BRIT-nominated artists.

Speaking about the night’s achievements, Dickon Stainer, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group UK & Ireland, said:

To see Olivia Dean, Sam Fender, Lola Young, Dave and Jacob Alon win at the BRITs is a statement of intent for UK talent on the world stage. A new wave of global artistry is here, and it is British.”

As the celebrations continued at The Ivy Spinningfields, the mood reflected more than individual wins. In Manchester, the 2026 BRIT Awards became a showcase for a new generation of British artists enjoying their moment together, long after the ceremony lights had dimmed.

Author: Andrew Braithwaite

Andrew is the founder and chief editor of Music Talkers. He's also a keen music enthusiast and plays the guitar.