Ananova:

The Brit Awards are to drop their dance category in favour of a new trophy for best British live act in 2005.

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

But it will now 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.

"We are taking the opportunity of our 25th show both to take stock of our history and to further develop the profile of the Brits," said Peter Jamieson, chairman of the British Phonographic Industry who host the awards.

The best British live act has been organised in conjunction with the government's Live Music Forum.

"I am very excited that The Brits will, for the first time, be celebrating live performances, and I look forward to long and heated discussions with my fellow judges," said Feargal Sharkey, Chairman of the Live Music Forum.

"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.

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