‘We’ve put 0161 on the map!’ Excitement builds as creatives get ready for the show
As part of the move to Manchester, universities, colleges and other creative organisations were allocated tickets for young people to be able to attend the ceremony tonight.
We caught up with a few of them for a quick call earlier on to get their thoughts on the move and what they’re most excited about tonight.
‘I’m very proud of my city’
Surejya McKenzie, a “born and bred Mancunian”, is an actress, presenter and graduate, who runs NexGeNetwork supporting creatives, and is also an ambassador for the KYSO youth group.
“It’s unfathomable the fact that Manchester has got this opportunity to showcase so much talent,” she says. “I think it’s amazing for new, young, talented musicians, for something for them to aim towards.
“For somebody like myself, it means a lot genuinely to even be invited, be attending and just see everything that’s going on within the musical scene because I feel like it’s sparking that level of creativity within young people.”
She continues: “A lot of us always think we have to go to London for opportunities, and the fact that it’s now up here speaks such volumes. I like to think it’s not only a dedication of what has been going on in the background of Manchester, but it also speaks volumes for every single creative that’s here, because the creatives are what’s made it possible for the Brits to get to Manchester.
“So no matter what scale everyone’s at, from the underground artists to the people who have made it, we are the ones who have put 0161 (Manchester’s area code) on the map and I’m very proud of my city.”
She says she is excited for Little Simz, Olivia Dean and Dave, but even more so for emerging artists.
“I think it will be a case of watching this space of who’s in attendance for the Brits versus who will be up-and-coming in the Brits because I reckon we’ve got a lot of young musicians that will be in the Co-op arena tonight that in a couple years, give them five to 10 years, will probably be on that stage.”
‘We’re gonna be so close to the action’
Kate South, a mezzo-soprano singer from Ilkley in West Yorkshire, who is currently studying for a masters in vocal studies and opera at Manchester’s Royal Northern College Of Music, says she has loved living in Manchester and is “thrilled” to be going tonight.
“It’s great there was a scheme in place so that young people like us can go,” she says. “And I was under the impression we were gonna be at the back, but I don’t think we are, from what I’ve gathered I think we’re on the floor.
“I’m thrilled that we’re gonna be so close to the action and really feel involved in it, it feels genuinely like they want us there and to really enjoy the night.”
In a year when so many female artists are nominated, she predicts a strong night for the women.
“Raye is going to win song of the year, mark my words,” she says. “I think the girls are gonna do really well tonight. It’s so exciting.”
‘It’s going to be an invaluable experience’
Lucy Jennings, a final-year events management student at Manchester Metropolitan University, also has a ticket.
“The Brits is such an iconic event… for me personally as an events management student, I think it’s really exciting to see what we learn about, from the planning to the execution of events, how they come to life on such a large scale.
“I think it’s going to be such an invaluable experience to see it in person.”
Lucy is also volunteering tonight, helping with wristbands as people head into the venue.
As an events management student, will she be organising the ceremony one day?
“I hope so!”