For the first time in its history, the MOBO Awards is coming to Manchester. MOBO Fringe 2026 extends that moment far beyond the awards ceremony, spotlighting Manchester’s vibrant creative communities while creating meaningful opportunities for artists, young people and cultural leaders across the region.

Running from 19-24 March, the MOBO Fringe 2026 offers a free week-long programme that brings together live performances, industry conversations, cultural activations, workshops and talent development initiatives across the city, including the newly announced MOBO Summit in association with Amazon Music which brings together leading voices from across the industry for a day of insight and celebration at Aviva Studios on 24 March.

At the heart of the programme is the MCR MOBO Fringe Assembly 2026, a delivery-led fellowship placing Manchester’s Black music commissioners, producers and cultural operators at the centre of programming during Awards week. The assembly commissions and produces events across the city, ensuring MOBO Fringe is shaped by the people already building scenes, audiences and opportunities locally. 

The 2026 cohort brings together a range of leading Manchester-based platforms and organisations working across the city’s music and creative sectors. This includes Studio 88, Aaspire Records, SHIMRISE Selects, Habitat, FARO Presents, Melophile, 54 Agency and Black Creative Trailblazers and journalist Amelia Fearon. Together, they represent expertise spanning management, live events, media, artist development and community-led initiatives.

Delivered with support from Manchester City Council in partnership with Manchester Music City, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Manchester Accommodation BID, Co-op Live and North Inc, the MOBO Fringe programme has been developed in collaboration with more than 50 community leaders, creatives, grassroots platforms and industry representatives, ensuring the Fringe reflects the voices and energy of those already shaping culture in the city.