The MOBO Awards are coming to Manchester for the very first time as part of the organisation’s 30th anniversary celebrations.
Organisers say this landmark edition of the Awards at Co-op Live on Thursday 26 March will deliver an unforgettable night of electrifying performances, powerful tributes, and culture-shaping moments.
Since 2009, the MOBO Awards have been held across the UK from London to Liverpool, Leeds to Glasgow, Coventry to Sheffield and Newcastle.
And now they are coming to Manchester to mark the 30th anniversary year.
Ahead of the ceremony, MOBO is also collaborating with Manchester City Council to deliver the MOBO FringeFestival, a week-long celebration of music, culture, and creativity in the lead-up to the Awards.
The free programme will feature industry panels , talent showcases, live performances and creative workshops spanning music, tech, and the arts, creating opportunities for the next generation while spotlighting Manchester’s vibrant local scene.
Kanya King CBE, Founder and CEO of MOBO Group said: “For 30 years, MOBO has been more than an awards show – it has been a movement, shaping culture, championing creativity, and opening doors for generations of talent. This milestone is a reminder that when you celebrate culture, you don’t just preserve history – you shape the future. Three decades on, the MOBO Awards remain a powerful reminder of how music can inspire, unite, and transform lives. Manchester has always been a city of music and movement, and now, together with MOBO, we will write the next chapter of cultural history.”
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “We’re honoured to have been chosen by MOBO to host their awards in what is such a special year for them as they mark an incredible 30 years of celebrating Black music and culture. As a proudly diverse city that is known the world over as a city of music, creativity and talent, the MOBOs and Manchester are made for each other.
“We have a lot of expertise as a city in delivering world class events with a global reach, and together with our partners at Co-op Live and across the city we’re determined to do everything we can to support MOBO in making sure next year’s event hits all the right notes and is the very best one yet.
“Recognising and supporting emerging talent and our grassroots music scene in Manchester is also really important to us and we’re looking forward to collaborating with MOBO on the MOBO Fringe Festival which is set to provide some amazing and unmissable opportunities for young musicians and others to gain experience, learn from, get involved in and enjoy.”
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “For MOBO to choose to host its 30th anniversary in Manchester is a huge privilege. Greater Manchester has a rich and diverse musical heritage, and I know that the MOBO awards taking part in our region will mean so much to so many people. We will pull out all the stops to make sure this event is given the stage it deserves and it gives people an opportunity to celebrate everything that is great about MOBO.”
Fans can register now at mobo.com/awards to be the first in line for updates and priority access when tickets go on sale in December.
Main image credit: Nick Flynn
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