The MOBO Awards, Europe’s largest awards for Black music and culture, will take place in Manchester for the first time on 26 March 2026, at Co-op Live arena (cap.23,500).

The move to Co-op Live, operated by Oak View Group (OVG), coincides with the MOBO Organisation’s 30th anniversary year.

Since 2009, the MOBO Awards has toured cities across the UK, including London, Liverpool, Leeds, Glasgow, Coventry, Sheffield and Newcastle, showcasing Black music and culture and supporting local talent and communities. The Manchester edition forms part of the organisation’s ongoing work to highlight music, arts and culture across the UK.

MOVBO said that in the week leading up to the ceremony it will work with Manchester City Council to host the MOBO Fringe Festival, with the aim of providing opportunities for local creatives and engaging wider communities.

The MOBO Fringe Festival follows the 2025 edition in Newcastle, which attracted thousands of attendees and generated an estimated £1 million in combined economic and social impact for the city and surrounding region.

Prostrate Cancer got2b will return as MOBO’s charity partners for 2026.

OVG International president and director of Co-op Live Jessica Koravos 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.

“For MOBO to choose to host its 30th anniversary in Manchester is a huge privilege,” said. mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham. “Greater Manchester has a rich and diverse musical heritage, and I know that the MOBO awards taking part in our region will mean so much to so many people.”

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