MOBO Fringe 2026 announced as Manchester prepares to host the MOBO Awards for the first time

MOBO Fringe 2026 has been announced, bringing a week-long celebration of Black music, culture and creativity to Manchester from 19–24 March, ahead of the MOBO Awards at Co-op Live on 26 March.

Marking the 30th anniversary of the MOBO Awards, the expanded Fringe programme will transform the city into a hub of live music, conversations, workshops and cultural events, spotlighting both established voices and emerging talent from across the UK.

Supported by Manchester City Council in partnership with Manchester Music City, the city-wide programme has been created in collaboration with more than 50 community leaders, grassroots organisations and industry figures, ensuring Manchester’s own creative communities play a central role in shaping the week.

At the heart of the programme is the MCR MOBO Fringe Assembly, a fellowship bringing together Manchester’s Black music commissioners, producers and cultural organisers to lead programming across the city. The 2026 cohort includes platforms and organisations such as Studio 88, Aaspire Records, SHIMRISE Selects, Habitat, FARO Presents, Melophile, 54 Agency and Black Creative Trailblazers, alongside music journalist Amelia Fearon.

One of the major highlights of the week will be the MOBO Summit in association with Amazon Music, taking place on 24 March at Aviva Studios, the home of Factory International. The event will feature panels, workshops and networking sessions exploring the future of music, culture and creative careers.

The summit will include sessions such as the MOBO30 Legacy Spotlight, celebrating three decades of the MOBO movement, alongside discussions on breaking through as an independent artist, the growing influence of Northern music scenes and the future of diversity in the industry.

Beyond industry discussions, the Fringe programme also places a strong emphasis on education and youth engagement. Activities include school tours at Co-op Live, recording sessions at the adidas x Abbey Road Studios space inside the arena, and music initiatives involving over 70 Manchester primary schools and Trinity High School’s gospel choir.

Throughout the week, venues across the city will host live showcases, club nights and cultural conversations. Highlights include The Black Sound Gala at the Whitworth Gallery, the return of SHIMRISE Selects at the Deaf Institute, and a series of collaborative creative events and showcases celebrating Manchester’s past, present and future music scenes.

Speaking about the initiative, MOBO founder and CEO Kanya King CBE said bringing the awards to Manchester during its anniversary year felt particularly significant.

“Manchester is a city with a proud history of shaping music, culture and movements, and MOBO Fringe allows us to celebrate that energy in a way that goes far beyond one night.” She added that the programme is designed to create opportunities for artists and communities across the region. “By working with local creatives, organisations and community leaders, we are creating something that reflects Manchester’s voice while opening doors for the next generation.”

Following the success of MOBO Fringe 2025 in Newcastle, which generated an estimated £1 million in social and economic impact, the Manchester edition aims to expand the model even further through deeper local collaboration and commissioning.

As the MOBO Awards arrive in Manchester for the first time, MOBO Fringe 2026 promises to turn the city into a vibrant cultural platform celebrating Black music, creativity and community — far beyond the awards ceremony itself.

MOBO Fringe 2026 runs from 19–24 March.The MOBO Awards take place at Co-op Live on 26 March, with the ceremony livestreamed via Amazon Music’s Twitch channel.

Full programme details and free ticket registration are available at mobo.com/fringe.