The MOBO Awards, Europe’s largest celebration of Black music and culture, will come to Manchester for the first time when the landmark 30th-anniversary edition takes place on Thursday 26 March 2026 at the city’s new Co-op Live arena.
Organisers promise an “unforgettable night of electrifying performances, powerful tributes and culture-shaping moments.” Supporters can register now for priority ticket access, with general sales expected to open in December 2025.
The announcement follows confirmation that The BRIT Awards will also debut in Manchester in 2026, making the Co-op Live arena the first venue outside London to host the BRITs on Saturday 28 February 2026.
A Historic Celebration
Founded in 1996, the MOBO Awards have honoured stars from Beyoncé and Jay-Z to Stormzy, Little Simz and Central Cee, while championing new talent and recognising excellence across music, film and media.
“This milestone is a reminder that when you celebrate culture, you don’t just preserve history—you shape the future,” said Kanya King OBE, MOBO founder. “Manchester has always been a city of music and movement, and now, together with MOBO, we will write the next chapter of cultural history.”
The 2025 ceremony, held in Newcastle, featured performances from Vybz Kartel, Krept & Konan, Odeal, Darkoo and Shola Ama, with Bashy winning Album of the Year and Best Hip-Hop Act. Hosts and performers for 2026 will be revealed later this year.
MOBO Fringe Festival
In the week leading up to the awards, MOBO will partner with Manchester City Council to present the MOBO Fringe Festival—a free, city-wide programme of live performances, creative workshops, talent showcases and industry panels designed to spotlight Manchester’s grassroots music scene and create opportunities for emerging artists.
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said:
“As a proudly diverse city known worldwide for music and creativity, the MOBOs and Manchester are made for each other. Together with our partners, we’ll ensure the 30th-anniversary event is the very best yet and that the Fringe Festival provides amazing opportunities for young musicians and creatives.”
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, added:
“For MOBO to choose our city-region for its 30th anniversary is a huge privilege. We will pull out all the stops to give this event the stage it deserves.”
Jessica Koravos, president of Oak View Group International and director of Co-op Live, said the venue was designed “for an event not just of this scale, but of this significance,” reflecting Manchester’s “world-famous cultural vibrancy.”
