MOBO Awards Set for 2026 Manchester Debut in 30th Anniversary Year

The MOBO Awards, Europe's premier celebration of Black music and culture, will be hosted in Manchester for the first time on March 26, 2026, as part of its 30th anniversary. The event will take place at Co-op Live, the UK's newest and largest live entertainment arena, promising a night of electrifying performances, tributes, and culture-shaping moments. Leading up to the awards, Manchester will also host the MOBO Fringe Festival, a free week-long series of industry panels, talent showcases, live performances, and creative workshops aimed at supporting local creatives and the next generation. This move to Manchester follows MOBO's history of taking celebrations across UK cities, transforming them into cultural hotspots, and aligns with similar shifts like the Brit Awards relocating to the same city. MOBO Founder and CEO Kanya King emphasized the awards' role in shaping culture and championing talent over the last three decades. The festival and awards are expected to generate significant cultural and economic impact, continuing MOBO's tradition of uniting and inspiring audiences nationwide.