Adele won the most coveted award of the night, British album of the year for '25', as well as winning British female solo artist, best British single for Hello and scooping the global success award.

James Bay, who was named best British male solo artist, joined Canadian pop star Justin Bieber on stage as he performed his hit Love Yourself. Justin Bieber, who won a Brit award as best international male solo artist, continued with the feel-good grooves of Sorry, also taken from his fourth album 'Purpose'.

Coldplay were named best British group and dedicated their award to musicians in refugee camps around the world. French drummer Julien Barbagallo and his Australian rock band Tame Impala, with their disco flair and high, Phil Collins-esque vocals, won as best international group.

Indie rockers Catfish and the Bottlemen, featuring Bob Hall on drums, won as British breakthrough act. Bjork was awarded as best international female solo artist.

One Direction took home an award for best British Video. The only two members of the band, Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne, were present to pick up the prize.

Annie Lennox paid tribute to the late David Bowie, who died at 69 from cancer unexpectedly in January this year. Annie Lennox said:

"David Bowie is deeply embedded in the heart of British culture. The legend of his extraordinary sound shall be revered for as long as the Earth shall spin."

New Zealand singer Lorde also performed a tribute alongside David Bowie's former touring band.

The group was the line-up from Bowie's final tour in 2004, consisting of Earl Slick (guitar), Gerry Leonard (guitar), Catherine Russell (keyboards and percussion), Mike Garson (piano) Gail Ann Dorsey (bass) and Sterling Campbell (drums).

Their performance included Bowie hits such as Life on Mars, Space Oddity and Starman.

The Brit Awards went big on digital ahead of this year's event - unveiling a special set of emojis in partnership with Twitter as well as running a live Facebook Red Carpet stream.