British rock legend Noel Gallagher has been announced as the Songwriter of the Year for the BRIT Awards 2026, the prestigious honour recognising his extraordinary impact on British music across three decades. The award will be presented at the ceremony on February 28 in Manchester, marking the first time the BRITs are held outside London.
The accolade, decided by a panel of expert judges, celebrates exceptional creative achievement in songwriting. Gallagher’s catalogue — from his work with Oasis to his solo output with Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds — spans generations and has helped define the soundtrack of British rock for over 30 years. Previous recipients of the award include Ed Sheeran, Kid Harpoon, RAYE and Charli XCX.
A Legacy Written Into British Culture
Noel Gallagher’s songwriting has left an indelible mark on British culture, with anthems like “Wonderwall,” “Don’t Look Back in Anger” and “Champagne Supernova” becoming global staples. He penned the majority of Oasis’s hits during their ascent in the 1990s, and later solidified his solo credentials with critically acclaimed albums such as Chasing Yesterday and Who Built the Moon? with High Flying Birds.
Oasis’s return to the stage with their Live ’25 reunion tour — the band’s first in 16 years — was a cultural phenomenon, reinvigorating interest in their extensive back catalogue and reintroducing classic songs to audiences around the world. Gallagher will collect the award in person at Co-op Live in Manchester.
Stacey Tang, Chair of the 2026 BRIT Awards Committee and Co-President of RCA Records UK, praised Gallagher’s contribution:
“For more than three decades, Noel has crafted songs that have become part of our collective story — bold, brilliant, and always recognisable. His songs have soundtracked memories for multiple generations and defined the spirit of British music globally.”
Star-Studded Ceremony Ahead
The BRITs 2026 line-up is shaping up to be a landmark event. Alongside Gallagher’s award, performances are set from artists including Harry Styles, Olivia Dean, Wolf Alice and Mark Ronson, with rising stars and established names alike featured across multiple categories. Olivia Dean and Lola Young currently lead nominations, with five apiece.
The awards show will be broadcast live from Co-op Live in Manchester on ITV and ITVX, bringing the celebration of British music to audiences nationwide.
