The Darkness won three prizes at the Brit Awards in February

The best British dance award has been in the ceremony since 1994 and was won by Basement Jaxx this year.

It will be replaced by a prize to recognise the "exceptionally vibrant live music scene", organisers said.

Next year's ceremony, in London on 9 February, will celebrate the Brit Awards' 25th anniversary.

Peter Jamieson, chairman of the British Phonographic Industry, which hosts the awards, said they would use the anniversary to "take stock of our history and to further develop the profile of the Brits".

The best British live act award has been organised with the government-backed Live Music Forum.

'Hot property'

Feargal Sharkey, former singer with The Undertones and chairman of the forum, said: "I am very excited that The Brits will, for the first time, be celebrating live performances.

Basement Jaxx won this year's best dance award

"Tickets for live shows have been hot property this year - Glastonbury, Reading and T in the Park are among the hundreds of music events that sold out in record time, proving how important live music is to each and every one of us."

To be eligible for the award, acts have to be British and have performed at a British venue this year.

This year's honour for outstanding contribution to music will be presented to Sir Bob Geldof, recognising his prolific music career as well as his humanitarian role.

The 25th anniversary awards will be broadcast on ITV1 on 10 February, in a deal that sees the network retain broadcasting rights for a further three years.

Last year's big winners were The Darkness, who picked up a hat-trick of awards for best group, British rock act and British album.