Manchester to Host 30th Mobo Awards in 2026 with Special Week-Long Festival

The 30th annual Mobo Awards, which honor black music, culture, and excellence from both the UK and abroad, will take place in Manchester for the first time on March 26, 2026. The event will be held at the Co-Op Live Arena. Over the years, the Mobo Awards have celebrated iconic artists like Janet Jackson, Diana Ross, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Sade, Amy Winehouse, and Usher. In addition to the awards ceremony, organizers are planning a week-long fringe festival in Manchester, featuring industry panel discussions, live music showcases, and workshops. The Mobo Awards have played a crucial role in launching the careers of UK artists such as Little Simz, Stormzy, Central Cee, and Raye. First introduced in London in 1996, the Mobo Awards have been held in various UK cities. Manchester will host them for the first time in celebration of their 30th anniversary. Kanya King, the founder of the awards, highlighted that the city has a deep connection to music, stating, ‘Music is in Manchester’s DNA.’ She emphasized the importance of celebrating this legacy, especially as much of the city’s music has come from overcoming struggles. The upcoming ceremony promises to be a historic event.