Manchester’s Deansgate train station has been temporarily renamed after Olivia Dean ahead of the 2026 BRIT Awards in the city.
Set to take place next Saturday (February 28), the event will be held at the Co-op Live in Manchester – the first time that the awards have been held outside of London in its 50-year history.
To mark the occasion, train company Northern has renamed Deansgate train station to ‘Olivia Deansgate’, a nod to the singer who is up for five awards at this year’s ceremony – including Artist of the Year.
Some commuters have complained about the changes, with one taking to X to declare it a “project designed to confuse tourists”.
Northern have confirmed to any confused passengers that things will be returned to normal once the BRITs are over, writing: “I am sorry for any confusion this may cause, this has been done to celebrate the Brit Awards and the signs will change back after.”
Check out photos below.
Deansgate train station in Manchester has temporarily changed its name to ‘Olivia Deansgate’ ahead of the #BRITs in the city next week.
: Manchester Evening News pic.twitter.com/ccEB7I9qQD
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) February 21, 2026
Hello Zack, I am sorry for any confusion this may cause, this has been done to celebrate the Brit Awards and the signs will change back after.
— NORTHERN
(@northernassist) February 20, 2026
Dean released her second studio album ‘The Art Of Loving’ last year, which landed in NME’s Albums of the Year list. The record saw her become the first female solo artist to have four singles in the UK Top 10 simultaneously.
In a four-star review, NME also said: “Dean’s second record, and the years that came prior to it, have placed her alongside artists like RAYE or Sam Fender. British artists who’ve ascended to bigger and bigger stages, crafting music that while sonically is in their own lanes, is filled with honest lyricism coming from a distinct voice.
“As Dean prepares for her own sold-out arena tours – and with her tracks soaring up the UK charts – this record comes to cement her place. With it, marks the next chapter in Dean’s career, one as a popstar risen.”
Earlier this month, Dean picked up the Grammy Award for Best New Artist, and used her speech to celebrate the influence of immigration.
As for this year’s BRITs, Jack Whitehall will be returning to host for the sixth time, and this year’s trophy has been unveiled, designed by Matthew Williamson and inspired by Manchester.
Harry Styles, Olivia Dean, HUNTR/X’s EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI, Wolf Alice, Mark Ronson, Alex Warren, Sombr and Rosalía will be performing at the ceremony.
Jacob Alon has been confirmed as the winner of the 2026 BRITs Critics’ Choice Award, and those leading the way in terms of nominations this year include Dean, former NME Cover star Lola Young, Sam Fender, Lily Allen and rapper Jim Legxacy.
Other artists being honoured at this year’s BRITs include Mark Ronson, who has been awarded for his Outstanding Contribution to Music, and Noel Gallagher, who has been given the ‘Songwriter Of The Year’ award.
The show will be broadcast on ITV1 in the UK, with performances to be shared worldwide on YouTube. Check out a full list of nominees here.
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