Noel Gallagher will attend the 2026 Brit Awards in Manchester to receive the Songwriter of the Year honour, following the success of Oasis's recent reunion tour. The ceremony marks the first time the event has been held outside London in its nearly 50-year history. Gallagher's award recognises his enduring impact on British music through Oasis and his solo work.
Noel Gallagher is set to return to his Manchester hometown for the 2026 Brit Awards, where he will collect the Songwriter of the Year award. The ceremony, taking place at the Co-op Live arena on February 28, celebrates Gallagher's contributions after Oasis's triumphant 41-date Live '25 reunion tour, which began in Cardiff on July 4, 2025, and concluded in Brazil on November 24, 2025. The tour included five homecoming shows at Manchester's Heaton Park and seven at London's Wembley Stadium, alongside dates across the UK, Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas.
A press statement from the Brits highlighted Gallagher's legacy: “Noel Gallagher’s songwriting has permeated the fabric of British culture for over 30 years, from his seminal work with Oasis to his ambitious and acclaimed solo albums with Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. His songs span generations and have continued to resonate with audiences around the world like no other.” It added that his Oasis songwriting “defined a cultural movement, delivering seven studio albums and forming a catalogue which contains some of the most recognisable songs in British music history.”
Stacey Tang, Chair of the 2026 Brit Awards Committee and Co-President of RCA Records at Sony Music UK, praised: “For more than three decades, Noel has crafted songs that have become part of our collective story – bold, brilliant, and always recognisable. His songs have soundtracked memories for multiple generations and defined the spirit of British music globally. Honouring Noel as Songwriter of the Year celebrates a remarkable body of work and a creative force that continues to connect and inspire artists and fans worldwide.”
The award, which recognises exceptional songwriting, has previously gone to Ed Sheeran, Kid Harpoon, RAYE, and Charli XCX. Recently, Gallagher reflected on the tour's success during an appearance on Radio 5’s Football Daily, saying: “The holiday was good. But, yeah, back at work on Monday. So it’s all good, mate. It’s all been going great.” He added: “It went rather well, didn’t it?”
Oasis announced a pause after the tour, stating in a message to fans: “And so it came to pass... The most damaging pop cultural force in recent British history found its way into the hearts and minds of a new generation... There will now be a pause for a period of reflection.” Rumours persist of new music and additional tour dates, including potential shows at Knebworth next summer. A documentary film on the reunion, produced by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, is also in development.
The Brit Awards will feature performances by Harry Styles, Wolf Alice, and Olivia Dean, with Jack Whitehall hosting for the sixth time. Mark Ronson will receive the Outstanding Contribution to Music award and perform live. The event airs on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player.
