Stars Gather in Manchester for BRIT Awards Bash

Some of music's biggest names have descended upon Manchester as the city gears up to host its very first .

Hosted tonight at the gleaming Co-op Live arena, the biggest night in British music has brought with it a whirlwind of celebrities, influencers and music executives and, judging by last night's sightings, a mix of nerves, nostalgia and northern pride.

Host , 37, kept things decidedly low-key ahead of his presenting duties, stepping out for a romantic dinner with fiancée , 34.

The couple opted to dine inside their hotel, The Lowry, rather than brave the pre-awards frenzy sweeping the city centre.

A night at the five-star hotel costs at least £150 per night, and amenities include a spa, a barbers and the River Restaurant.

Despite this being Jack's sixth time hosting the awards, onlookers said he appeared 'tense and anxious' as he gears up to helm one of the most unpredictable nights in live television.

There were no late-night parties or champagne toasts just a quiet table for two for the parents of one and what looked like some last-minute script talk over dinner.

A source said: 'Hosting the BRITs is no small feat, and with the show landing in Manchester for the first time, the pressure for Jack is arguably higher than ever.'

Meanwhile, Sharon Osbourne, 73, was spotted out at lunch with a member of her team yesterday, cutting a more sombre figure.

She is set to accept an award on behalf of her late husband, Ozzy Osbourne, tonight, adding an emotional undercurrent to the evening's celebrations.

Observers described her as sombre but composed as sources tell us she's expected to be joined by her children to help support her for the emotional moment.

If there was one place buzzing louder than anywhere else last night, it was the newly opened Soho House Manchester.

Fleur East, Will Best, Tyler West and Molly Rainford all enjoyed a lively night out at the members' club, which has quickly become the unofficial headquarters for visiting talent.

Fleur and Will were seen letting their hair down and partying with Grammy Award-winning American DJ Roger Sanchez, ahead of presenting for Hits Radio today, clearly making the most of a rare chance to relax before their big red-carpet moments.

Tyler, however, appeared more pensive. He's presenting the red carpet alongside TikTok star Charley Marlowe and insiders say the pressure is mounting.

One source told us: 'This is a big deal for Tyler, he is very nervous and rehearsals didn't go well for him. Bubbly Charley is expected to steal the show, she's been smashing it in rehearsals.'

Across town, Robbie Williams took to the stage at Aviva Studios for a special War Child gig, giving fans an early taste of BRITs-week energy.

He walked out wearing a tongue-in-cheek T-shirt tribute to all things Manchester, a 'Roy Division' design blending the iconic artwork from Unknown Pleasures by Joy Division with the unmistakable face of Manchester United legend Roy Keane.

Robbie discussed his experiences of going solo after the highs and lows of Take That and asked the crowd if they've seen the recent Netflix Take That documentary.

'I don't think anyone has seen a man smugger than Robbie Williams in that second episode,' he said on stage whilst discussing his new Take That Netflix doc.

'I f***ing beat them didn't I. And you know what I felt really bad I felt really horrible about it, I'd been horrible to Gary, horrible to not Mark because he's my mate, horrible to Howard. I was genuinely thinking about it for days and days I was thinking, 'I've got to apologise again, I've apologised 500 times, but I've got to apologise again'. And then I started this little mini tour up in Glasgow and I thought hang on no one has ever left a boy band and gone 'they're a ****, they're a ****, except me.

'So for this moment I'm just getting rid of shame and guilt of upsetting everybody and lean into 'they're all ****s', before launching into Ego a Go Go.

He later added that he loves Gary and 'Gary loves me'.

Over at the plush £335 a night luxury Stock Exchange Hotel, Mark Ronson was laying low ahead of receiving his 'Contribution to Music' honour tonight.

Insiders say he opted for an early night, keeping celebrations firmly on hold until after the ceremony.

Also staying at the hotel is Spanish superstar Rosalía, though she chose a very different pre-BRITs approach.

Rather than retreat indoors, Rosalía reportedly ventured out to explore Manchester.

The hotel is one of the city's most glamorous stays - co-owned by ex-footballers Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs.

But they're not the only A-listers that love it: even Madonna once took over the entire property while rehearsing for her UK tour. Other notable guests who have stayed there include Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, the Gallagher brothers, and David Beckham.

And in a playful tribute, Deansgate station has temporarily been renamed 'Olivia Deansgate' in honour of nominee Olivia Dean - a sign the whole city has embraced the occasion.

For the first time ever, the ceremony is being held at Manchester's Co-op Live, two years after the £365 million venue opened its doors. One Director star Harry Styles is an investor in the venue and is set perform at the venue for the first time on Saturday.

Also set to take to the stage is Raye, Olivia Dean, Wolf Alice, EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI, the singing voices of HUNTR/X, Alex Warren, Mark Ronson, ROSALÍA and SOMBR.

Leading the charge for this year's nominations are Lola Young and Olivia with five nods each, closely followed by comeback queen Lily Allen, who has been recognised in three categories.

Since removing gendered categories, such as Best Male and Best Female, in 2022, the Award show has faced heavy backlash for the low number of female artists nominated, particularly in 2023 when the Artist Of The Year shortlist was entirely male.

However, this year has seen a major turnaround, with 70 per cent of nominations being female or non-binary.

While the mood in the city is electric, organisers are said to be quietly bracing for logistical headaches.

The Co-op Live sits slightly outside the city centre, and officials are so concerned about congestion that certain roads have been closed specifically to allow celebrity convoys to travel in and out smoothly.

By late evening, blacked-out Mercedes people carriers were lining street after street, engines idling as stylists, security teams and label executives dashed between hotels and venues.

And whilst a few headaches for officials must be amounting, with the awards being hosted outside of London for the first time in their 50 year history, the awards are expected to bring a massive boost to Manchester's economy.

From intimate dinners and nervous rehearsals to tribute T-shirts and members' club parties, Manchester's BRITs eve delivered drama, glamour and more than a few jitters.

Tonight, the spotlight switches fully on.