The age-old North-South divide in Britain sparked a lively debate on Loose Women as the panel discussed next year’s BRIT Awards, which will be held in Manchester for the first time in the ceremony’s history. Since 1977, the prestigious event has always been held in London, but this announcement marks a significant shift — and a win for the North.
The panelists were quick to dive into the cultural and social differences between the North and South, with two northerners and two southerners offering their perspectives. It’s clear that while the move is being celebrated as a step towards “levelling up,” the classic North-South rivalry is alive and well.
A Win for the North
The decision to hold the BRIT Awards in Manchester was widely praised during the discussion. “Anything that moves up to the North is great news,” one panelist remarked, emphasizing how London has long been the center of attention when it comes to major events. “Everything has been London-centric for so long — this feels like a step in the right direction.”
Another panelist added that the move could bring jobs and a sense of pride to the North. “Manchester has produced some amazing stars over the years – it’s a city with so much energy and creativity. It’s about time it gets the recognition it deserves.”
The Great Divide: Are Northerners Friendlier?
One of the more humorous (and divisive) moments came when the panel debated whether Northerners are friendlier than Southerners. “If you’re lost in Manchester, someone will stop and help you, maybe even walk you to where you’re going,” one panelist claimed. “In London, people just look at you like, ‘What are you doing talking to me?’”
Another panelist disagreed, arguing that friendliness isn’t exclusive to the North. “People in Plymouth, Essex, and even Scotland are just as friendly. It’s not a North-South thing — it’s a city thing. London is a metropolis, and it’s naturally more anonymous.”
The discussion took a lighthearted turn when the panel joked about regional quirks, like the infamous Newcastle nightlife. “It’s practically illegal to wear a coat in Newcastle, no matter how cold it is!” one panelist quipped, drawing laughter from the group.
Life in Manchester vs. London
The debate also touched on the differences in lifestyle between London and Manchester. One panelist described Manchester as feeling “like a village” despite being a bustling city. “You can walk through the city center and bump into people you know. It’s got that close-knit feel, which London just doesn’t have.”
However, the panel acknowledged that London’s status as the capital brings undeniable advantages. “London is diverse, vibrant, and full of opportunity. It’s the heart of so much culture and business,” one panelist argued. “But it’s also expensive and can feel isolating.”
Levelling Up: Has It Happened?
The conversation naturally turned to the government’s much-discussed “levelling up” agenda, which aimed to address regional inequalities. Many panelists were skeptical about whether real progress had been made. “It felt like a lot of talk to get votes,” one said. “But moving something as big as the BRIT Awards to Manchester is a step in the right direction.”
Food for Thought (and Pies)
The debate ended on a cheeky note when one panelist joked about the North-South divide in lifestyle choices. “You lot up North think you’re so great, but your life expectancy is lower than ours in the South!” This prompted a quick and witty reply: “I’d rather die eating a pie than live longer on kale!”
Despite the playful rivalry, the panel agreed that holding the BRIT Awards in Manchester is a positive move that highlights the rich culture and talent of the North. Whether it’s the friendliness of strangers, the charm of a smaller city, or the chance to eat a pie without judgment, the North certainly has its appeal. But in the end, the North-South divide is all part of what makes Britain so uniquely entertaining.
The BRIT Awards 2025 will surely bring energy, buzz, and perhaps a few more debates — and that’s something everyone, North or South, can look forward to.
