Manchester is set to welcome one of its brightest musical talents, Olivia Dean, as the 26-year-old singer-songwriter prepares to take the stage at an intimate charity gig during Brits Week 2026. The event, taking place on 26 February at Manchester’s Albert Hall, promises an unforgettable night of music while raising crucial funds for War Child, the global charity supporting children affected by conflict.
Dean, who has rapidly become one of the UK’s most exciting voices, will perform a selection of her hits, including the chart-topping single Man I Need, alongside tracks such as Nice To Each Other, So Easy (To Fall In Love), and A Couple Minutes. Fans can also expect songs from her two acclaimed UK top 10 albums, Messy (2023) and The Art of Loving (2025), the latter of which reached number one.
“This is such a special opportunity to perform in Manchester, a city with a vibrant music scene, and for a cause that truly matters,” Dean said. “I’m thrilled to be part of Brits Week for War Child, and I hope the evening inspires people to support the incredible work the charity does for children caught in conflict.”
Supporting the War Child Charity
The Albert Hall gig is part of a series of charity performances organized during Brits Week, which sees artists donating their time and talent to raise funds for War Child. According to Clare Sanders-Wright, Head of Live Music at War Child, the events are vital in continuing the charity’s work.
“Twenty per cent of the world’s children are living through conflict right now,” Sanders-Wright explained. “The money raised from these unforgettable shows will help War Child continue our essential work to protect, educate, and stand up for as many of these children as possible. Because no child should ever have to experience war.”
Other charity performances during Brits Week include Spiritualized at Hackney’s Earth Theatre on 18 February and indie band The K’s at Gorilla in Manchester on 20 February. Spiritualized, led by Jason Pierce (aka J Spaceman), are renowned for their critically acclaimed 1997 album Ladies And Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space, which won NME Album of the Year over Radiohead’s OK Computer and The Verve’s Urban Hymns. Their best-known tracks include Come Together, I Think I’m In Love, and Electricity.
Harry Styles to Perform in Manchester
Adding to the excitement, pop superstar Harry Styles is scheduled to perform at Manchester’s Co-op Live during the Brit Awards ceremony on 28 February. Styles, who recently announced a world tour including 12 Wembley Stadium shows, is set to bring another major highlight to the city during Brits Week.
A Growing Career for Olivia Dean
Olivia Dean’s rise has been meteoric. Since her debut, she has garnered critical acclaim for her soulful voice, emotionally honest songwriting, and genre-blending style that fuses R&B, pop, and contemporary soul. Her album Messy introduced her as a powerful new voice in the UK music scene, while The Art of Loving solidified her reputation, earning a number one spot on the UK charts.
Dean’s music often explores themes of love, self-discovery, and resilience, connecting deeply with audiences. Hits like Man I Need showcase her lyrical storytelling, while her live performances are praised for their intimacy and emotional impact. This makes her an ideal artist for a smaller, charity-focused venue like the Albert Hall, where fans can experience a personal connection with the music.
Why Charity Gigs Matter
Brits Week for War Child demonstrates the impact artists can have beyond the recording studio. By using their talent to raise funds, musicians like Olivia Dean and Spiritualized help address urgent global issues, including education, protection, and mental health support for children in conflict zones. These events not only provide unforgettable live music experiences but also create awareness about the ongoing struggles faced by vulnerable children worldwide.
“The generosity of the artists, their teams, and our partners is what makes these events possible,” Sanders-Wright added. “Without them, Brits Week for War Child simply wouldn’t exist.”
Tickets and Access
Tickets for Olivia Dean’s Albert Hall performance are expected to sell quickly due to the intimate nature of the event. Fans are encouraged to book early to secure their place at this special night of music and charity. Proceeds from the evening will directly support War Child’s projects in conflict-affected regions, making every ticket a contribution to a vital cause.
As Manchester prepares to host a week of incredible performances, Olivia Dean’s charity gig promises to be a highlight, combining soulful music with meaningful impact. For fans of Dean and live music enthusiasts alike, it’s an unmissable opportunity to see one of the UK’s rising stars while supporting children in need around the world.
