Newcastle set to host the iconic MOBO Awards for the first time ever

The organisers behind the MOBO Awards have confirmed that the event will be coming to Newcastle for the first time ever in 2025.

The awards ceremony, which honours achievements in music genres such as hip hop, grime, UK Drill, R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, and more, will be coming to the Utilita Arena Newcastle on February 18 next year.

Ahead of the ceremony, MOBO is collaborating with Newcastle City Council to bring the MOBO Fringe Festival to the North East.

The festival will consider of a series of activities and events that celebrate Black music and culture - with members of the local community, Generator, the Glasshouse Centre for International Music and Northern Roots also set to help organise the event.

The 2024 MOBO Fringe Festival, which was held in Sheffield, saw a three-day programme that included 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, the founder of CEO of MOBO Group, has promised that Newcastle will have a “night to remember” when the MOBO Awards come to the city.

She 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.”

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Kim McGuinness, North East Mayor, has welcomed the decision to bring the iconic award ceremony to the region.

She commented: “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, added: “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.”

To gain access to an exclusive 24-hour ticket pre-sale on Friday, October 4, then click here.

A general sale for tickets goes live on Saturday, October 5 - with VIP packages available from December 2. Tickets can be purchased by visiting: https://mobo.com/tickets.