Manchester to host 30th Mobo Awards in 2026

Rapper and actor Scorcher won a Mobo at the 2025 award ceremony in Newcastle

The 30th annual Mobo Awards will be held in Manchester for the first time in March 2026.

The awards - which celebrate black music, culture and excellence from the UK and abroad - will be held on 26 March at Co-Op Live Arena.

Stars who have previously been part of the awards include Janet Jackson, Diana Ross, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Sade, Amy Winehouse and Usher.

In the lead-up to the ceremony, organisers will also be hosting a week-long fringe festival in Manchester featuring industry panel discussions, live music showcases and workshops.

The awards have helped launch the careers of UK artists such as Little Simz, Stormzy, Central Cee and Raye.

Started in London in 1996, the Mobo Awards have since been held all over the UK.

They are coming to Manchester for the first time for their 30th anniversary.

Founder Kanya King said it made sense for the awards to be held in the city as "music is in Manchester's DNA".

She said a lot of the music from Manchester had "come from struggle".

"We need to be celebrated and championed and this is important for us," she said.

"I cannot wait for March the 26th. We're going to make history here."