Today is the day! The UK's biggest, starriest, and most prestigious music awards night, The BRIT Awards, will take place at London's 02 Arena. Take an early sneak peek with these behind the scenes pictures!

Preparations have steadily been taking place over the weekend to bring together the best night in the music industry calendar.

Check out the regal-looking purple carpet that people will have to tread. The media boards show images of this year's coveted BRIT Award statue.

Specially designed by Peter Blake, each nominated artist will hope to be prizing one in their hands by the end of the evening.

Backstage, VIP guests like Jessie J will have access to special chill out areas - nice!

Hosted by James Corden, a special night needs a special stage. Here we can see the rigging process as the stage is set.

This year's ceremony will see more live music performed than ever before. Adele, Bruno Mars, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Florence + the Machine, Noel Gallagher, Olly Murs and Rihanna will perform.

Blur too are to reunite for a special 11 minute monster set of some of their best loved tracks as they receive the Outstanding Contribution to Music Award.

Tune into ITV1 from 8pm this evening to watch The BRIT Awards 2012 with Mastercard unfold live, direct from London's 02 arena.

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