Brit Awards 2016
Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly will host Brit Awards 2016 Anthony Harvey/Getty Images

The countdown for the Brit Awards 2016 has begun and the biggest music names in the UK will be seen at London's O2 Arena on 24 February. Live telecast of the award ceremony will commence at 8pm on ITV.

Comedy duo Ant and Dec will be hosting the event. Prior to the awards ceremony they said: "We're really excited to be invited back to host The BRIT Awards 2016. In all honesty we only intended to do it for one year but had such a good time we are thrilled to be doing it again. Both of us are looking forward to what will be an incredible night, and we can't wait to celebrate the achievements of British music once again."

Artistes including Adele, Coldplay, Jess Glynne, Justin Bieber, The Weekend, Little Mix, Rihanna and James Bay will take the stage during the awards ceremony.

The annual event will pay tribute to David Bowie, who passed away in January. Chairman of The Brit Awards Max Lousada said: "David Bowie was one of the most important and influential songwriters and performers ever and, like so many fans around the world, we're devastated to hear of his loss."

"A visionary and ground-breaking pioneer, he has inspired generations of musicians and will continue to shape music for many years to come. Naturally, we wish to honour his extraordinary life and work at the forthcoming Brit Awards and pay a fitting tribute to one of our greatest icons," Lousada added.

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