Noel will return to his Manchester hometown to collect the award later this month
By Elizabeth Aubrey 4th February 2026
Noel Gallagher - CREDIT: Big Brother Recordings
Noel Gallagher will attend this year’s BRIT Awards to collect the ‘Songwriter Of The Year’ award after last year’s Oasis reunion success.
- READ MORE: Oasis live in Cardiff opening night review: a supersonic reunion for a new generation
This year’s ceremony will be taking place at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, Gallagher’s hometown, marking the first time that the event has been held outside of London in its nearly 50-year history.
AdvertisementA press statement from the BRITs about the award, which recognises “exceptional songwriting” and has previously been won by the likes of Ed Sheeran, Kid Harpoon, RAYE and Charli XCX, said: “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 continued: “Noel’s songwriting for Oasis defined a cultural movement, delivering seven studio albums and forming a catalogue which contains some of the most recognisable songs in British music history.”
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Stacey Tang, Chair of the 2026 BRIT Awards Committee and Co-President of RCA Records at Sony Music UK added: “For more than three decades, Noel has crafted songs that have become part of our collective story – bold, brilliant, and always recognisable.
Recommended“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.”
Recently, Noel reflected on Oasis‘ historic reunion run and fuelled rumours of new music with the admission that he was “back at work”.
The band’s 41-date tour began in Cardiff on July 4 last year and saw them take in five homecoming shows at Manchester’s Heaton Park, seven at Wembley Stadium in London, and gigs across the UK, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas.
Speaking on Radio 5’s Football Daily last month, he was asked about his break post-gigs, prompting Noel to reply: “The holiday was good. But, yeah, back at work on Monday. So it’s all good, mate. It’s all been going great.” As for his busy and successful 2025 with Oasis, he said: “It went rather well, didn’t it?”
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It comes after Oasis announced a “pause” last year as they reflected on their huge ‘Live ‘25’ reunion tour, which ended in Brazil on November 24.
“And so it came to pass,” wrote the band in a message to fans, before quoting a damning article written about them previously: “‘The most damaging pop cultural force in recent British history’ found its way into the hearts and minds of a new generation.
“From Gallagher Hill to the River Plate, from Croke Park on the banks of the Royal Canal to the City Of Angels, the love, joy, tears and euphoria will never be forgotten. There will now be a pause for a period of reflection,” they finished, signing off simply as Oasis.”
Rumours of more tour dates next year, as well as potential new music, have been rife in recent months. Liam recently teased more shows on X, writing, “I know things you don’t know” to a fan who asked him if he was sad the tour would be ending soon.
And, at the last Wembley show of their comeback run in September, he told fans “See you next year” before playfully slapping himself on the wrist. Then in October, a British peer seemed to accidentally reveal that Oasis would be playing Knebworth next summer – in what would mark 30 years since the band’s famous shows at the Hertfordshire stately home – before backtracking on her claims.
What has been confirmed, however, is that a new film documenting Oasis’ return and comeback tour is also on the way, and is being produced by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight.
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In other BRIT award news, the nominees have already been announced for this year’s awards, with acts like former NME Cover star Lola Young, Sam Fender, Lily Allen and Lewisham rapper Jim Legxacy leading the way. It has also been confirmed that Harry Styles, Wolf Alice, and Olivia Dean will be among those performing at the live event on Saturday February 28.
Songwriter and producer Mark Ronson has also been named as the recipient of this year’s award for Outstanding Contribution to Music, and will be at the event in person to both accept the award and perform live.
Also at the 2026 BRITs, Jack Whitehall is returning to host for the sixth time, and this year’s trophy has been unveiled, designed by Matthew Williamson and inspired by Manchester.
Scottish art-folk artist Jacob Alon has been confirmed as the winner of the 2026 BRITs Critics’ Choice Award, and the public vote for Song of the Year with Mastercard and International Song of the Year is open now. Visit here for more information.
This year, ITV remains the official BRIT Awards broadcaster for the 34th year. The ceremony will air exclusively on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.
