MOBO Awards 2025: Newcastle will host the ceremony for the first time ever, with tickets going on sale in just DAYS

It has been announced that Newcastle is preparing to host the prestigious MOBO Awards for the first time in its history next year.

The annual awards ceremony, which celebrates the best of black British music and culture, will be broadcast live from Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, as it expands north again following last year’s success in Sheffield .

Eager fans can now register for access to an exclusive 24-hour ticket pre-sale on October 4, with general sales starting a day later on October 5.

Stars, special winners, show hosts and nominees have not been announced yet.

This year’s MOBO Awards, held in Sheffield, were hosted by Babatúndé Aléshé and Indiyah Polack, and co-hosted by Zeze Millz.

Potter Payper, Central Cee and RAYE took home the night’s top awards, along with Ghetts, who was honored with the MOBO Pioneer Award.

Elsewhere, Sugababes received the MOBO Impact Award and Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill was honored with the MOBO Paving The Way Award.

The ceremony featured breathtaking live performances from Soul II Soul, Ghetts, Sugababes, Cristale, Byron Messia, King Promise and Camidoh, as well as the electrifying 30 Years of UK Garage Set by DJ Spoona.

Speaking about next year’s event, Kanya King CBE, founder and CEO of MOBO Group, said: “Newcastle is a city steeped in history, culture and a dynamic sense of community, as well as electric nightlife, making it the perfect host city.

“We are honored to present the MOBO Awards at this iconic venue, aiming to deliver a show that will resonate far beyond the North East.

“In addition to the awards night, through the MOBO Fringe Festival, we will engage with the local community to create an inspiring and impactful program that highlights the significant cultural impact of black music.

“Newcastle, get ready for unforgettable moments!”

Mayor of the North East Kim McGuinness added: “I am thrilled to welcome the MOBO Awards to a new home in our region – this is the latest major event putting the North East of England on the international cultural map.

“I know the MOBO Fringe Awards and Festival taking place in Newcastle and Gateshead will be a huge inspiration to a new generation of young and emerging musicians working here in the North East.”

Councilor Karen Kilgour, Leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “I am honored that our city has been chosen to host such a prestigious and exciting event. Newcastle is a warm, friendly and inclusive city.

“Our city is more diverse than ever before, and our ever-expanding music scene reflects this.

“We know that involvement 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 our home in 2025 seems like the perfect fit.”

Ahead of the ceremony, MOBO is also working with Newcastle City Council to deliver the MOBO Fringe Festival – a series of activities and events celebrating black music and culture in the host city.

The festival was organized by the City Council with the participation of members of the local community, music organization North East, Generator, Glasshouse Center for International Music and Northern Roots.

For nearly 30 years, MOBO has proudly celebrated and elevated black music around the world.

Through its legacy, MOBO has played a key role in supporting the development of black music and culture on a global scale.

It promotes homegrown talent and celebrates artistic excellence in genres such as rap, hip-hop, R&B, soul, grime, drill, gospel, jazz, reggae, African music, electronic/dance, alternative music and more.

To gain access to an exclusive 24-hour ticket pre-sale from October 4, register here.

General sales begin October 5 – visit mobo.com/tickets.

The MOBO 2025 awards ceremony will take place on Tuesday, February 18 at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle.