IF the Baftas has left you hungry for more high profile, London-based back-slapping then you’re in for a treat as James Corden returns for the fourth consecutive year to host the Brit Awards 2014.

Live from the 02 Arena, the 34th annual event features a strong presence from London rockers Bastille, electronica outfit Disclosure, and drum and bass quartet Rudimental. All three are also up for several gongs, including Best British Group (alongside the Arctic Monkeys and One Direction); British Album of the Year, and British Single of the Year.

Aside from Rudimental and Bastille, other acts taking to the stage are Pharrell Williams, Lorde, Arctic Monkeys, Katy Perry, Ellie Goulding and Bruno Mars. They’ll be belting out tracks between the award-giving.

David Bowie, Jake Bugg, James Blake, John Newman and Tom Odell are up for British Male Solo Artist, while Birdy, Ellie Goulding, Jessie J, Laura Marling and Laura Mvula are all hoping they have the right stuff to walk off with a gong in the Best Female Solo Artist Category.

There’s also the International Male and Female section, so whether you like to work, rest and play to the tunes of Bruno Mars; are tickled by Pink, or go Gaga over a certain Lady, there’s no shortage of talent awaiting plaudits.

It remains to be seen whether we have another one of those jaw-dropping performances like Adele’s show-stopping Someone Like You a few years ago, or the farce that was Sam Fox and Mick Fleetwood in the late 1980s, but that’s the thing about the Brits: it’s never predictable, but is often very entertaining.

Who could forget the 1996 show when Jarvis Cocker was arrested for climbing on stage during Michael Jackson’s epic Earth Song performance?

Back to 2014, and one of the most interesting aspects of this year’s show is the addition of Best British Video.

Thanks to the wonders of social media, viewers can vote for the award live on the night, with a shortlist of five videos being announced before the event.

This year also sees a new Brit statuette make its debut. It’s designed by headwear guru Philip Treacy, following in the footsteps of Peter Blake and Damien Hirst.

Treacy, whose clients have included Madonna, Boy George and Grace Jones, decided to give the iconic statues a punk look. Alas, this also marks Corden’s final stint as host, having become the awards’ longest-serving presenter. “I really love the Brits. I’m such a fan,” he explains. “I’ll miss not doing it after this one, but fully intend to enjoy every second of Brits 2014.”