Manchester Tram 3003 Carries a New Advert for the BRIT Awards

Manchester’s Metrolink network has unveiled a striking new full wrap on tram 3003, promoting the upcoming BRIT Awards at Co-op Live. The campaign places one of the UK’s most recognised music events directly into the daily journeys of thousands of commuters, shoppers and city visitors.

For brands exploring transport advertising, this activation is a strong example of how tram media delivers scale, stature and sustained visibility within a major UK city.

A Full Tram Wrap that Owns the Tracks

Metrolink 3003 has received its first-ever full exterior wrap. The creative promotes the 2026 BRIT Awards, taking place at Co-op Live in Manchester on Saturday 28th February, 2026. 

The tram now runs in a dark-based livery featuring bold event branding. The vinyl covers the majority of the vehicle exterior, including sections across the windows.

Key campaign features include

• Full-length exterior vinyl wrap

• High contrast design for street-level visibility

• Messaging that connects directly with a Manchester audience

• Extended dwell time at stops and city centre interchanges

This format transforms the tram into a moving billboard. It travels through high footfall areas, including Piccadilly, Trafford Bar and key commercial districts. For brands, that means repeated daily impressions across diverse demographics.

Interior Branding Extends the Campaign Reach

This activation does not stop at the exterior. Interior ceiling panels have also been wrapped with BRIT Awards creative.

Interior tram advertising offers

• Captive audience engagement

• Longer dwell time exposure

• Clear, distraction-free messaging

• Opportunity for QR codes or promotional prompts

Passengers seated beneath the ceiling panels see the campaign for the duration of their journey. This creates deeper brand recall.

For mid-level brands seeking efficient spend with strong frequency, interior transport media can deliver cost-effective repetition without oversaturation.

Why Manchester Tram Advertising Works for Brands

Manchester is one of the UK’s fastest-growing city economies. The Metrolink network connects residential areas, universities, retail districts and major venues.

Advertising on a tram, such as 3003, gives brands access to

Urban Dominance

A full tram wrap dominates the streetscape visuals. In busy corridors, it becomes one of the largest advertising assets in motion.

Credibility through Association

Transport environments carry inherent trust. A campaign placed on public transport signals scale and seriousness.

Consistent Repetition

Trams operate daily on fixed routes. Commuters see the same creative repeatedly. This builds memory structures over time.

Event Amplification

In this case, the BRIT Awards campaign aligns with a Manchester-hosted event. Brands can replicate this strategy around product launches, seasonal promotions or local sponsorships.

For brands planning regional or national activity, tram ads work effectively alongside roadside placements and London Tube advertising to create joined-up coverage.

Full Wraps Versus Partial Formats

Metrolink 3003 previously carried partial adverts for other events such as Oasis concerts at Heaton Park. This time, a full wrap has been chosen.

Full tram wraps deliver

• Maximum surface coverage

• High-impact creative storytelling

• Social media shareability

• Strong PR value

Partial wraps may suit brands with smaller budgets or shorter campaign windows. The choice depends on objectives, geography and audience targeting.

At Transport Media, we help brands weigh format options based on campaign goals and budget parameters. Our team can provide route data, impression forecasts and production guidance.

The Power of Transport Adverts for Mid-Level Brands

While global brands often dominate headlines, mid-level brands gain a significant advantage from transport media.

Tram ads offer

• High visibility without prime time TV spend

• Geographic targeting within growth cities

• Flexible campaign durations

• Tangible physical presence

Manchester in particular presents a compelling case. The city hosts major music events, sport, retail and education hubs. A tram wrap running through the city centre reaches office workers, students, tourists and families alike.

Brands launching regionally can use tram advertising as a springboard before scaling nationally through taxi ads, airport advertising or bus adverts.

Making Creative Work Harder on Transport Media

The BRIT Awards creative uses strong contrast, large typography and simple messaging. This is critical for mobile media.

When planning a tram advertising campaign, consider

• Bold brand assets that read at distance

• Clear calls to action

• Minimal clutter

• Alignment with local relevance

Transport Media supports clients through creative adaptation for transport formats. Artwork that works on digital or print often needs refinement for large-scale vinyl production.

Our partners ensure consistent colour application, safe installation and compliance with transport operator guidelines.

Ready to Get Your Brand Moving

Metrolink 3003 demonstrates how powerful a single tram can be when fully utilised as an advertising platform. It commands attention across Manchester’s streets and keeps the message in front of passengers throughout their journey.

If your brand is ready to explore tram advertising, bus media, London Underground formats or airport environments, Transport Media can help you plan, buy and execute with confidence.

Visit our Contact Us page to speak with our team. We work with ambitious brands that want visibility, credibility and strong city presence through transport ads.

Frequently Asked Questions

How effective is tram advertising in Manchester?

Tram advertising in Manchester delivers high-frequency exposure across busy commuter routes. Full wraps provide strong visual dominance and repeated daily impressions.

What is a full tram wrap?

A full tram wrap covers most of the vehicle exterior in branded vinyl. It transforms the tram into a large-scale mobile billboard across the city.

Can mid-level brands afford tram ads?

Yes. Tram advertising offers scalable options including partial wraps, interior panels and full wraps. Budgets can be tailored to campaign goals.

Does interior tram advertising work?

Interior formats engage a captive audience. Passengers view the creative for the duration of their journey, which increases recall and message retention.