MOBO Awards coming to Newcastle in 2025
It's the first time ever the event will be held on Tyneside
Last updated 3rd Oct 2024
It's been confirmed the MOBO awards will be held in Newcastle for the first time ever next year.
The UK's biggest music award ceremony dedicated to black music and culture will take place on 18th February at the Utilita Arena.
For close to 30 years, MOBO has been proudly celebrating Black music in the UK.
Jessica Ennis-Hill was awarded a Paving The Way award in 2024
Stormzy with some MOBO Awards
Sugababes attend the 2024 Mobo Awards winning the Impact Award
RAYE attends the Mobo Awards in London
British stars Stormzy, Little Simz and RAYE have been honoured over the years as well as international legends like Janet Jackson, Beyoncé and Jay Z.
And now a star-studded line-up will descend on Tyneside in February 2025.
Ahead of the ceremony, MOBO is collaborating with Newcastle City Council to bring MOBO Fringe Festival - a series of activities and events celebrating Black music and culture in the host city, organised by the Council with members of the local community, North East music organisation, Generator, Glasshouse Centre for International Music and Northern Roots.
This year’s collaboration with Sheffield City Council resulted in a three-day programme leading up to the 2024 MOBO Awards – with a talent showcase, a music industry panel offering insight to creative talent, producers and industry execs, alongside the involvement of over 100 schools, exploring the impact of Black music and culture through a range of educational activities.
Kanya King CBE, Founder and CEO of MOBO Group said:
“Newcastle is a city steeped in history, culture, and a dynamic sense of community alongside an electric nightlife, making it the perfect host city. We are honoured to bring the MOBO Awards to this iconic destination, eager to deliver a show that will resonate far beyond the North East.
"Beyond the awards night, through the MOBO Fringe Festival, we will be engaging with the local community to create an inspiring and impactful programme that highlights the significant cultural influence of Black music. Newcastle, get ready for a time to remember!”
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said:
“I’m thrilled to welcome the MOBO Awards to a new home in our region – just the latest major event putting North East England on the international map for culture.
I know the Awards and the MOBO Fringe Festival across venues in Newcastle and Gateshead will be a huge inspiration for a new generation of young and emerging musicians working here in the North East.
Cllr Karen Kilgour, Leader of Newcastle City Council said:
“I am honoured that our city has been chosen to host such a prestigious and exciting event. Newcastle is a warm, welcoming and inclusive city. Our city is more diverse than ever before and our ever-developing music scene is a reflection of that.
"We know that being involved in music has enriched the lives of so many people who live here and provided them with opportunities they may never have otherwise had. And this ethos is firmly embedded in the MOBO Awards, so making Newcastle their home in 2025 seems the perfect fit.”