Commuters in Manchester, England, have encountered an unexpected change at Deansgate train station as it was temporarily renamed to ‘Olivia Deansgate’ on February 20, 2026. The rebranding is a promotional effort tied to the upcoming BRIT Awards, which will be held in the city for the first time in the event’s 50-year history.
The name change honors singer Olivia Dean, who is nominated for five awards at this year’s ceremony, including Artist of the Year. The BRIT Awards will take place at the Co-op Live arena on February 28, 2026. This marks a significant shift for the awards demonstrate, traditionally held in London.
Train operator Northern implemented the temporary signage as a celebratory gesture. However, the alteration has drawn some criticism from travelers. “Excuses for any confusion this may cause,” Northern stated. “This has been done to celebrate the BRIT Awards and the signs will change back after.”
The move highlights how brands are increasingly leveraging real-world spaces to amplify digital and cultural events. Some commuters expressed their frustration online, with one user describing the change as “a project designed to confuse tourists.” Northern has assured passengers that the station will revert to its original name following the conclusion of the BRIT Awards.
Other nominees for the 2026 BRIT Awards include Lola Young, Lily Allen, and Sam Fender. Olivia Dean’s second studio album, ‘The Art Of Loving,’ released last year, has received critical acclaim and contributed to her five nominations.
