The MOBO Awards are heading to Newcastle for the first time ever in 2025

The ceremony, which is Europe's biggest celebration of Black music and culture, is coming to Newcastle in February

Newcastle is to host the 2025 MOBO Awards, for the first time ever at the Utilita Arena on Tuesday, February 18.

The MOBO Awards are Europe's biggest celebration of Black music and culture, and because it is the first time the ceremony has been held in Newcastle, MOBO are marking the occasion with the MOBO Fringe Festival.

The festival, in collaboration with Newcastle City Council, is a series of activities and events celebrating Black music and culture in the host city, with members of the local community, North East music organisation, Generator, Glasshouse Centre for International Music, and Northern Roots.

This year’s collaboration with Sheffield City Council resulted in a three-day programme leading up to the 2024 MOBO Awards – with 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, Founder and CEO of MOBO Group, 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.

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"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!”

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness added: "“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.”

In February, the 2024 MOBO Awards took place in Sheffield, hosted by Babatúndé Aléshé and Indiyah Polack, with Zeze Millz as the roaming co-host. Potter Payper, Central Cee and RAYE scooped top prizes of the night; alongside Ghetts who was honoured with MOBO Pioneer Award, Sugababes received MOBO Impact Award, and Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill was acknowledged with MOBO Paving The Way Award.

The ceremony featured live performances by Soul II Soul, Ghetts, Sugababes, Cristale, Byron Messia, King Promise and Camidoh, plus an electrifying 30 Years of UK Garage Set by DJ Spoony.

On the awards coming to the North East, Leader of Newcastle City Council, Cllr Karen Kilgour said: "“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.”

For access to an exclusive 24-hour ticket pre-sale on Friday, October 4, you can register here.

General on-sale goes live on 5 October - visit mobo.com/tickets.

VIP packages will be available from 2 December 2024.

To find out more information, visit mobo.com/awards