BRITS WEEK 26 REVEALS FIRST WAVE OF WAR CHILD SHOWS
BRITs Week 26 for War Child, delivered by DHL, has announced its initial lineup for 2026 and with shows in more UK cities than ever before, this year is shaping up to be the biggest yet. The unique series of gigs gives fans the rare opportunity to see intimate, one-off performances from some of the most exciting names in music, in some of the UK’s most-loved, smaller iconic music venues, all in support of War Child’s vital work for children affected by conflict.
BRITs Week will take place around The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard, taking place on Saturday, 28th February in Manchester. With the awards leaving the capital for the first time in its nearly 50-year history, BRITs Week 26 is expanding into a new era with artists playing in Newcastle, London, Edinburgh, Nottingham, Brighton and Manchester, giving more fans across the country the chance to see their favourite artists in the lead-up to the UK’s biggest night in music.
All proceeds from the shows go towards War Child’s essential work providing aid, education, specialist mental health support, and more while standing up for the rights of children whose lives have been devastatingly affected by war.
Kicking things off with a very special opening Night show on February 12th will be legendary BRIT and GRAMMY Award-winning DJ Fatboy Slim, as he is set to bring the house down at the Boiler Shop in the heart of Newcastle.
After a whirlwind of a year for Lambrini Girls – including sell-out shows across the globe and a chart-topping debut album – the UK’s hottest punk band will take to London‘s The Garage on February 16th.
On February 24th, BRIT Award winner Myles Smith will return to his alma mater city of Nottingham, to play the Rescue Rooms.
War Child Music Ambassador, Jack Savoretti and Classic BRIT Award winner Katherine Jenkins OBE will be gracing London’s Emerald Theatre on February 25th.
Meanwhile, following the release of ‘with all due respect’ in 2025, one of R&B’s brightest new talents, BET nominated and BBC Sound of 2025 nominee, kwn is headed south to Brighton to perform at Patterns on February 25th.
Looking north once again, War Child has teamed up with The Warehouse Project to put on two nights of sets from one of Mixmag’s Year Defining DJs of 2025, Josh Baker and DJ Mag’s Ones to Watch 2025, Rossi., at YES in Manchester on the 25th and 26th of February respectively.
BRITs Critics’ Choice nominee, BBC introducing Artist of the Year and Mercury Prize shortlisted artist, Jacob Alon, is set to play the Music Hall at Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh on February 27th.
With a star-studded lineup already, there’s more to look forward to with further announcements expected in the coming weeks.
Clare Sanders-Wright, Head of Live Music at War Child, said;“BRITs Week is back for its 13th year, and once again the lineup is nothing short of extraordinary. The atmosphere at these shows is always electric, with fans getting the rare opportunity to experience their favourite artists up close in some of the UK’s most beloved intimate venues.
Right now, one in five children globally are living with the devastating impact of war. That’s more than 520 million children worldwide, facing violence no child should ever have to endure. I want to extend a huge thank you to the artists and their teams for giving their time, passion and talent to make these shows possible. Their support helps War Child continue our vital work to protect, educate and stand up for children caught in conflict, and to champion our message that No Child Should Be Part of War. Ever.”
Right now, it’s the deadliest time in history to be a child. 1 in 5 children globally (over 520 million) are currently affected by war. But there is hope. With support from music fans, War Child can help children put the pieces back together. By joining the charity for the intimate, one-off performances of some of their favourite artists, fans will be directly contributing to help War Child rebuild children’s lives.
BRITs Week is produced by War Child, the charity for children affected by conflict with AEG Presents, and BPI.
Simon Jones, SVP of International Touring at AEG Presents, said; “So delighted that BRITs Week is back in 2026, and it will be the most amount of ground we’ve ever covered across the UK. All of the artists, managers, labels that continue to support this important series, and of course our returning sponsors DHL that are so vital in making sure BRITs Week is here to stay. These shows help to raise crucial money for children caught in conflict, with our long-time partners, War Child. Which is more important than ever.”
Proceeds from the shows will help to support War Child’s work that aims to reach children as early as possible when conflict breaks out, and staying long after the cameras leave to support them through their recovery – keeping them safe, helping them process and cope with their experiences, and equipping them with skills for a brighter future. Through BRITs Week, some of the biggest names in music will play a series of very special, intimate shows to help save lives around the world.
There will be a limited number of tickets for each show on sale. For those that sign up before 15:00 on Wednesday 14th January, the War Child pre-sale will be available at 10:00 Thursday, 15th January. Tickets will be on general sale from 10:00 Friday, 16th January.
To enter the prize draw and win a pair of tickets to see the artist of their choice, fans can make a donation starting from £10 per entry to War Child. The prize draws will go live as each show sells out. Available HERE.
This year, DHL returns as War Child’s partner for BRITs Week 26. With its extensive global network and experience delivering humanitarian aid, DHL’s partnership for BRITs Week, as well as its wider partnership with War Child, will continue to help the charity support more children worldwide. DHL will provide transportation, distribution, or other logistical support to help the charity reach more children in need and deliver aid more efficiently.
Elliott Santon, Head of Global Sponsorships, DHL Express, said; “We’re proud to return as the title partner of BRITs Week 2026 for War Child, delivered by DHL. Continuing this partnership reinforces our long-standing support for War Child and the critical fundraising that helps fuel their mission. Our purpose, ‘Connecting People, Improving Lives,’ is at the heart of this collaboration as we draw on our global reach and humanitarian capabilities to help children living through conflict. We look forward to another inspiring BRITs Week that generates essential support for War Child’s work.”
BUILD HOLLYWOOD is kindly donating outdoor advertising space across London and Manchester to support this year’s shows.
