February in Manchester: Advice for Stakeholders

February 2026

Last updated: 25 February 2026

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Key advice to keep you and your teams moving
What TFGM is doing to keep you moving

Key advice to keep you and your teams moving

Manchester welcomes the Brit Awards on Saturday, 28 February at the Co-op Live. With over 10,000 expected attendees, congestion is expected around the Etihad Stadium, as well as the city centre.

Additional events will also take place across the regional centre:

Concerts at the Co-op Live
Concerts at the AO Arena

On Friday 28 February, the BRIT Awards take place at Co‑op Live. The event is expected to finish at around 10.15pm, with an on‑site after‑show running until approximately 1am.

Roads around the Co‑op Live and Etihad Campus will be very busy from late afternoon and throughout the evening. Anyone travelling in the area, whether attending the event or not, should allow extra time for their journey and consider travelling earlier or later where possible.
Journeys by car are likely to take longer than usual. Drivers are encouraged to allow plenty of time, use pre‑booked parking where available, and follow local signage and steward instructions. Drop‑off and pick‑up activity will also add to congestion around the venue.
Public transport will be busier than usual, particularly on Metrolink services on the Ashton line and bus routes between the Etihad Campus and Manchester city centre. Trams will operate as normal but queues are expected, especially after the show finishes.
The nearest Metrolink stops to Co‑op Live are Etihad Campus and Holt Town, with Velopark also within walking distance. A signed, well‑lit walking route is available between the city centre, Piccadilly Station and the Etihad Campus.
If possible, consider waiting a short time after the show before starting your return journey to avoid the busiest period.

Enhanced monitoring of the highways and transport network from TfGM’s Control Centre and using intelligence to strengthen Metrolink and public transport provision.
Collaborating with transport operators to provide a co-ordinated response to events and congestion.
Working with event organisers and partners, including local authorities and National Highways to limit non-urgent roadworks on major routes to and from venues during this period.
Monitoring traffic signal timings across the network and on diversion routes, running special timings plans before and after the events.
Introducing planned bus diversions around road closures and providing customer information on affected bus stops to advise passengers of bus diversions.
Updating live navigation devices in real time with events, road closures and incidents.
Using roadside electronic message signs to advise of events and disruption at key points across the Greater Manchester road network
Co-ordinating social media communications plans with other agencies to maximise reach.
Boosting posts on social media to further amplify the transport message.
Regularly updating stakeholders and highlighting the key messages in transport newsletters and briefings.
Working with Manchester City Council and Greater Manchester Police to conduct various operations over the disruptive period to keep you moving.