Next year’s edition of the Brit Awards, the annual showcase for the U.K. music industry, is moving from its usual February slot. The Brits will now take place on May 11, the organizers have announced. This is with a view to attracting a full complement of music stars.
The awards’ organizers, trade body BPI, made the decision after consulting with different bodies; the music industry, sponsor Mastercard, broadcaster ITV and AEG, owners of the venue, London’s O2 Arena.
“Along with the many safety and logistical considerations of staging a huge awards ceremony in February for those putting the event on as well as the guests; we believe that this move will give a fairer opportunity to all artists, as well as ensuring a mix of huge domestic and global superstars that annually attend and perform at the show,” BPI said in a statement.
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“We want to make sure that The Brits delivers the outstanding production levels, superstar performances, and live excitement that make it the biggest night in music,” said Geoff Taylor; the chief executive, BPI and BRIT Awards Ltd.
“We believe that the best way to achieve this in 2021 is to move the show back a few months; to move it to May. We are already at work planning a spectacular event. It will remind us how important music has been in getting us all through these difficult times.”
The eligibility period for the awards will be altered accordingly.
The 40th edition of the awards took place as per normal in February this year. It featured Billie Eilish performing live the theme tune of James Bond film No Time to Die; Lewis Capaldi rendering his breakout No.1 single Someone You Loved; Celeste performing Strange. The show also featured an electric medley of hits from Stormzy featuring Burna Boy.
