Manchester to host 2026 MOBO Awards to mark 30th anniversary
Manchester will host the ceremony for the first time ever.
By Nick Reilly
The MOBO Awards is moving to Manchester for its 2026 edition, marking the first time the ceremony has taken place in the city.
The event will take place at the Co-Op live on Thursday March 26 next year and marks a major part of the MOBO Organisation’s 30th anniversary celebrations.
The announcement comes months after it was confirmed that the BRIT Awards will also take place at the Co-Op Live for the next two years.
Though the BRITS will be leaving London for the first time, the MOBOs have travelled across the UK since 2009 – with previously host cities including London, Liverpool, Leeds, Glasgow, Coventry, Sheffield and Newcastle.
The MOBO Organisation is also teaming up with Manchester City Council for the MOBO Fringe Festival, billed as a “week-long celebration of music, culture, and creativity in the lead-up to the Awards.”
A free programme will feature industry panels, talent showcases, live performances and creative workshops spanning music, tech, and the arts.
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.”
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.”
This year’s MOBO Awards took place at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena and saw Central Cee, Bashy and Arya Starr among the big winners.