A global music moment for Manchester
In October 2024, Manchester proudly hosted the 30th edition of WOMEX (Worldwide Music Expo), the most international and culturally diverse music meeting in the world. Returning to the UK and Ireland for the first time in over a decade, WOMEX 24 brought together thousands of delegates, artists, and industry professionals from across the globe for five unforgettable days of music, exchange, and collaboration.
Across six major venues – Aviva Studios, The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Central, Albert Hall, O2 Ritz Manchester, and HOME – the city came alive with performances, panels, and screenings that reflected Manchester’s creativity, inclusivity, and international outlook. More than 60 acts and 290 musicians from 45 countries performed, while the film programme at HOME showcased 18 music documentaries celebrating global musical storytelling.
Manchester’s own vibrant scene was powerfully represented by Ríoghnach Connolly & Honeyfeet, Agbeko, Vulva Voce, Heather Ferrier, and Dirty Freud, each bringing the city’s distinctive sound and spirit to an international audience. Many described the experience as transformative – a turning point that opened up new opportunities, confidence, and creative ambition.
WOMEX 24 had a significant impact beyond the stages. It generated millions in economic benefit for Greater Manchester, attracted more new delegates than any previous edition, and reached a global audience of over 450 million through press and media coverage. More importantly, it strengthened connections between Manchester’s artists and the international music community, laying the groundwork for lasting collaborations, touring opportunities, and cultural exchange.
A defining feature of Manchester’s hosting model was its values-led approach. Together with partners including Black Lives in Music, Attitude is Everything and Music Support, the city placed inclusion, wellbeing, and legacy at the heart of the event. Brighter Sound’s wraparound programme, WE, THE LEADERS, supported new and emerging trailblazers through artist commissions, youth leadership opportunities, and community engagement with Manchester’s young diaspora.
By embedding care, representation, and creativity into every level of delivery, Manchester set a new benchmark for how global cultural events can be hosted – with authenticity, accessibility, and purpose.
Manchester Music City is proud to have been the local host partner for WOMEX 24. Its legacy continues to echo across the city and beyond, inspiring new collaborations and ensuring that Manchester’s voice – diverse, bold, and globally connected – continues to resonate on the world stage.
Credits
WOMEX is produced by Piranha Arts and has been held annually since 1994. The local host partner for WOMEX 24 was Manchester Music City.
Thank you to our supporters who made this event possible: Manchester City Council, Arts Council England, Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), Manchester Airport Group, and VisitBritain.
Thank you to the many partners who worked together to bring WOMEX 24 to life: Manchester City Council, Brighter Sound, English Folk Expo/Sound Roots, Marketing Manchester, Horizons, the hub, Black Lives in Music, Attitude is Everything, Music Support, Band on the Wall, Albert Hall, Aviva Studios, The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Central, O2 Ritz Manchester, and HOME.
