Alongside designing robust systems utilising state-of-the-art technologies for the UK’s premier popular music awards ceremony, including DiGiCo, L-Acoustics and Shure, Britannia Row again took in students from the BRIT School's Production Arts course - a qualification for young adults aged 16+ specialising in behind-the-scenes roles for theatre, film, TV and live events.
This year, two candidates stood out to Britannia Row's Tom Brown: 18 years olds Bo Sorensen and Tyanne Lloyd. The pair were first welcomed into Britannia Row's HQ for show preparation before heading to Manchester's Coop Live Arena, where for the first time in history, the event took place outside of London.
The show opened with a highly anticipated Harry Styles performance and concluded with an all-star tribute honoring Ozzy Osbourne ft Robbie Williams on vocals for ‘No More Tears’. Additional performances came from Olivia Dean, ROSALÍA (spectacularly joined by Björk), Wolf Alice, Mark Ronson, Alex Warren, and Sombr.
"It's been so interesting to see how the equipment we've used at school is deployed for a show of this scale. I understand it all much better and on a bigger level now," begins Bo, who described the buzz of the event as having much "higher stakes" than a school production. "We've gone from an environment that is more aligned with "can you hear that microphone" to being part of a team that is broadcasting to millions! I enjoy the pressure though."
For Tyanne, she says the experience has both pushed her professionally and taught her "so many things" that she wouldn't have otherwise known. "We get to collaborate with people who know everything about sound, and who strive for perfection. It makes me want to be the exact same way."
"When [‘Ordinary’ singer] Alex Warren was sound checking I watched Josh Lloyd, who mixes the show, and saw how he operated the whole thing. For me, I watch and learn; I love to observe how other people do things. I think that's why shadowing opportunities like this are so important."
"It is nerve-racking too," adds Bo. "Especially since live music specifically is the industry that I want to go into. For the first few days of us going into the Brit Row warehouse, it was daunting. I said to both my teachers and to my parents that I needed to prove myself and do what I've said I can do because in this industry, you do have to do that to stand out."
"It's been so good working with Brit Row," add Tyanne. "They're all lovely people and are very dedicated to their jobs. They're a very close-knit team and they seem more like friends, so it's an even nicer experience. I didn't think being here would even be an option for me; I've got ADHD, so my brain's always booming around, and I honestly didn't think I'd get chosen to do this."
"When we met Bo and Tyanne, we were impressed with how prepared they were for their interviews and the experience they already had working with live audio,” reflects Account Executive, Tom Brown. “They both clearly had a passion for the industry, and it was a pleasure to be able to offer them a place. They integrated with the crew perfectly and quickly became part of the show team before we even left the warehouse. I hope the experience gave them further insight on what it’s like working on shows of this nature - we would gladly welcome them back."
Next, Tyanne has accepted a placement on a sound design course. "I love being creative and I think sound design can really compliment a story. There's a beauty in taking something from nothing and creating something for people to hear," she enthuses. "Then I'll gradually get into live music as I get older because there is so many different technical aspects to it, which I've only began learning.
For Bo, his sights are firmly set on a future career in touring: "I'm going to apply for Britannia Row's Live Audio Technician Apprenticeship. We were talking to Marcel van Limbeek, Head of Education at Brit Row, who told us that by the second year of the course, you'll be out on gigs and getting hands-on experience, but even working the warehouse would be a goal for me."
As for their pinch me moments of the BRIT Awards 2026? Tyanne passed multi-award-winning Olivia Dean, herself a BRIT School graduate, her microphone. “It was very cool because I listen to her music all the time and loved helping in a small part with her performance.”
As for Bo, it was his uniform which caught the attention of Robbie Williams: "He walked past me and asked me about the BRIT School hoodie I was wearing. And I just said... 'Hello... you're Robbie Williams!" he was so nice and interested in what we were doing."
Following the placement, Audio Crew Chief, Liam Tucker, had some words: "Bo and Tyanne soon learnt what they needed to do to help us achieve being load-in and show ready. I saw their knowledge grow, and their desire to do a good job didn't dwindle. They showed commitment during load-out too, proving they want to be successful. They both have a bright future ahead."
This sentiment was also felt by Guy Lovegrove, Production Manager at The BRIT School: "Opportunities like this are key to the future careers of our students. Working with professionals like Britannia Row provides a fantastic experience where Production Arts students can get a real feel for the industry and build connections with the professionals who work in it."
“The BRIT School is free, providing a unique platform for young people who want to work in the entertainment industry and the creative arts, and we are always looking for industry links that give our students real, hands-on experience."
While the 2026 BRIT Awards winners include Artist, Album & Pop Act of the Year, Olivia Dean, Breakthrough Artist Lola Young, Best R&B Act Sault, Producer of the Year Pink Pantheress, Songwriter of the Year Noel Gallagher and Lifetime Achievement, Ozzy Osbourne amongst many other recognised talents, the event is a stark reminder that the audio stars of the future are paying their dues backstage, and without hesitation.
