The Brit Awards swapped London for Manchester on Saturday night and if there were any doubts about how the city would handle music’s biggest night, they were swiftly drowned out by pyrotechnics, pop royalty and a very enthusiastic northern crowd at the Co-op Live Arena.
The ceremony delivered spectacle from the off. Olivia Dean was the evening’s clear Brits darling, sweeping up Best Pop Act, Song of the Year, Album of the Year and Artist of the Year.
On the performance front, Harry Styles made a much-anticipated return to the Brits stage, while Björk sent the arena into overdrive with an unexpected appearance alongside Rosalía. Dua Lipa joined Mark Ronson for a slick, crowd-pleasing set, before Robbie Williams closed the night on a poignant note with a heartfelt tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne.
Noel Gallagher, meanwhile, collected Songwriter of the Year with characteristic nonchalance.
But as ever with the Brits, the main event was only half the story. Once the final award had been handed out and the stage lights dimmed, the real action began across Manchester’s late-night hotspots.
Warner Music and Hennessy hosted one of the most talked-about after-parties at The Cut & Craft and subtle it was not.
Guests were greeted by a towering five-metre poodle installation (because, why not?) before stepping inside where attention immediately went to the poodle-motif carpeting, oversized inflatables and multi-coloured marble finishes.
Lipa and Rosé, still riding the high from her International Song of the Year win, were seen celebrating together well into the early hours.
Big Brother presenter AJ Odudu, comedian Munya Chawawa, Saltburn star Archie Madekwe as well as broadcaster Nick Grimshaw were among those in attendance.
Inside, Damian Hurley and Gene Gallagher circulated, while actress Cush Jumbo caught up with friends.
Geri Halliwell’s daughter Bluebell and Amelia White were spotted enjoying a front-row view as Gjin Lipa and Groove Armada took to the decks.
Manchester collective Suns of Acid hosted a suitably hedonistic basement takeover, ensuring the energy didn’t dip below fever pitch.
Julia Hobbs and Daniel Fletcher were also among the stylish crowd while Kim Turnbull, Romeo Beckham’s girlfriend, turned heads as she slipped behind the DJ booth herself.
Meanwhile, the drinks were as theatrical as the guest list.
The Henny-Rita and Hennessy X.O espresso martini did brisk business, alongside pours of Honey Highballs, while canapés of fish cakes, truffle mac & cheese bits as well as caviar cheese toasties circulated through the throng.
Earlier in the day, some attendees had opted for a more old-school form of glamour, travelling north aboard the British Pullman.
The vintage train carriage offered a rolling pre-party, with Hennessy cocktails served en route to what would become one of the most memorable Brits in recent years.
