MOBOs becomes second music award show to move to Manchester - after Brits
Co-Op Live will host the MOBOs in March 2026
Last updated 15th Sep 2025
A second huge music award show has announced a move to Manchester for 2026 following the Brits.
The MOBOs, which celebrate the best of black culture and music, will be held at Co-Op Live on Thursday 26 March 2026.
The MOBO Awards has become a staple of the British music calendar, honouring stars including Central Cee, Stormzy, Janet Jackson, Little Simz, Davido, Rihanna, RAYE, Wizkid, Beyoncé and Jay Z.
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.”
The news comes after the announcement that Co-Op Live would host the Brit Awards in 2026, which is moving away from London in a radical shake-up of the night.
Jessica Koravos, President, Oak View Group International and Director of Co-op Live, said: “Collaborating with Manchester City Council to bring the renowned MOBO Awards to Manchester further honours Co-op Live’s ambition to champion the very best in the industry, to celebrate diversity, and to mirror our host city’s world-famous cultural vibrancy.
"With Co-op Live, we are delighted to offer a fitting backdrop for MOBO’s prestigious 30th year ceremony, and to further showcase our state of the art, purpose-built venue carefully designed for an event not just this scale, but significance.”
As well as hosting the award ceremony, Manchester will play host to the MOBOs fringe festival , a week-long celebration of music, culture, and creativity in the lead-up to the Awards.
The free programme will feature industry panels , talent showcases, live performances and creative workshops spanning music, tech, and the arts, creating opportunities for the next generation while spotlighting Manchester’s vibrant local scene.
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.
"Recognising and supporting emerging talent and our grassroots music scene in Manchester is also really important to us and we're looking forward to collaborating with MOBO on the MOBO Fringe Festival which is set to provide some amazing and unmissable opportunities for young musicians and others to gain experience, learn from, get involved in and enjoy."