Manchester had barely caught its breath after hosting the BRIT Awards for the first time when the city’s glitterati gathered at The Ivy Spinningfields for Universal Music Group UK’s after-party, a celebration that combined northern charm with record-breaking talent. Olivia Dean, Sam Fender, Lola Young and Jacob Alon, all freshly minted winners, were among those raising a glass to what was a landmark night for British music.

**Olivia Dean and Lola Young, photo credit Dave Benett**

For Olivia Dean, it was a career-defining evening. The Londoner became the first solo British female since Adele to hold simultaneous number one spots on the Official Albums and Singles Charts. She took home four BRIT Awards, including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year and Pop Act. After her onstage performance of Man I Need, Dean arrived at The Ivy in understated elegance, radiating a quiet confidence. Sam Fender, who also had an extraordinary night with Song of the Year and Alternative Rock Act, represented the North in his home territory and seemed completely at ease, celebrated by peers and friends alike.

Lola Young had perhaps the most poignant moment of the evening. Fresh from winning a Grammy for Messy, she claimed Breakthrough Artist of the Year and joined the Universal crowd in Manchester in a homecoming atmosphere. There was a sense of pride and anticipation, a feeling that her moment was only the beginning. Jacob Alon, the Scottish singer-songwriter who won the Critics’ Choice award, mingled with guests, receiving congratulations and recognition for his critically acclaimed debut album.

The energy in The Ivy Spinningfields felt warmer and more intimate than the usual post-BRITs chaos. Francis Bourgeois chatted with Harris Dickinson while Holly Humberstone and Self Esteem shared laughter over champagne. Lola Young was seen talking with Femi Koleoso of Ezra Collective, whose DJ set helped keep the dance floor alive throughout the night. Additional sets came from Rose Gray, Bez, Arveene, Zezi and DJ Lamby, creating a soundtrack that matched the evening’s celebratory mood, honouring artistry, community and the success of homegrown talent.

Even Hollywood made an appearance. Jeff Goldblum joined the celebrations, mingling with guests and reminding everyone that Universal’s reach extends far beyond British borders. As the night drew to a close, guests stepped into the cool Manchester air, still chatting and laughing, with the energy of the evening lingering long after the music had ended.

**Jeff Goldblum, photo credit Dave Benett**

For Universal Music Group UK, the after-party was more than a celebration. It was a statement of intent. Chairman and CEO Dickon Stainer commented earlier in the evening that seeing Olivia Dean, Sam Fender, Lola Young, Dave and Jacob Alon win at the BRITs demonstrates that a new wave of British talent is taking the global stage. The Ivy Spinningfields was the perfect setting to transform that statement into a night of joy, camaraderie and celebration.