The news that MTV has chosen Manchester as host city for this year's prestigious MTV EMAs has been welcomed by city leaders and partners, along with the anticipated multi-million-pound boost it is expected to provide for the local economy, whilst at the same time significantly boosting Manchester's profile on the world stage.
The MTV EMAs are held annually in a different world city, with Manchester singled out by MTV for the honour of hosting this year's awards, which will take place on Sunday 10 November in the city's brand-new state-of-the-art arena Co-op Live - currently just weeks away from opening and set to be the biggest indoor arena in the UK with a capacity of 23,500.
MTV's choice of Manchester as host city for the awards - that are seen by an audience of millions around the globe - reflects Manchester's track record in hosting world-class and international events over the last two decades since the city's triumphant hosting of the 2002 Commonwealth Games.
It's a track record that's been made possible over the years through the strength of the partnerships that exist across the city between organisations including the city council and Marketing Manchester, as well as the city's commercial, hospitality, retail and transport sectors.
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: "Being selected to host what is without doubt the most prestigious global music awards ceremony in the annual music calendar, is a huge honour for Manchester and reflects the expertise, experience and reputation the city and its partners have for delivering successful world-class events.
"With one of the fastest growing city populations and economies in Europe and recognised in every part of the globe for our rich music history and heritage, alongside an amazing and diverse music scene, MTV could not have picked a better place for this year's EMAs.
"As well as providing an epic not-to-be-missed celebration of the very best of the best music and artists, the MTV EMAs will deliver a huge boost for our local economy and result in significant commercial and wider benefits for the city - showcasing Manchester to a global audience of millions whilst also attracting thousands of visitors who will contribute massively to the local economy during their stay.
"We'll also be working with MTV over the coming months to make sure we generate the maximum benefit for the city with a lasting legacy for years to come.
"We're confident that Manchester will provide a superb platform for the best MTV EMAs yet and look forward to welcoming MTV and the global music community to the city this autumn. Manchester meets MTV - we can't wait!"
The MTV EMAs will take place at Manchester’s brand-new Co-op Live arena, set to open in April 2024 on the city’s Etihad Campus. The venue’s state-of-the-art design, bringing fans 23m closer to the artist than in any comparable arena, will provide a perfect setting for the world-renowned celebration of music.
Gary Roden, Executive Director and General Manager, Co-op Live said: “Co-op Live has been designed from the ground up to offer, at its core, a truly exceptional live music and fan experience, and we are delighted to be hosting an event which epitomises what our venue stands for. We are honoured to become part of the MTV EMAs story, and to cement Manchester’s standing within the global live entertainment industry.
"Co-op Live are working alongside Manchester City Council and their wider stakeholders in ensuring the huge success of this unique and exceptional opportunity to truly showcase the best the city has to offer, and just why Manchester is a mainstay on the worldwide music map.”
The city and its partners' determination to keep bringing big events to the city that have a positive impact on the local economy and help make Manchester a place that people want to visit, live, work and invest in, has been further bolstered over the last year with the setting up of the new Manchester Accommodation BID - the remit of which includes an objective to bring major events to the city that help boost the local visitor economy along with hotel occupancy levels.
Kumar Mishra, Chair of the Manchester Accommodation BID, said: “We're thrilled that Manchester has been chosen as the 2024 host city for the prestigious MTV EMAs. This is a momentous occasion for the city-region and is testament to the collaborative efforts of the Manchester Accommodation BID, Manchester City Council, and our partners at Marketing Manchester.
“Being selected as the host city for such a significant music event reflects the appeal and dynamism of Manchester and the city region and we're delighted to be welcoming some of the biggest names in music to the city.
“The Manchester Accommodation BID is committed to creating new and exciting experiences that attract visitors to our incredible city. We look forward to showcasing the best of Manchester and providing a memorable experience for all guests. This is a remarkable opportunity to celebrate our city's diversity, culture, and hospitality on a global stage, and we can't wait to welcome the world to the city later this year.”
As a city Manchester is already well-known for its rich music history and heritage, but in recent years it has carved out a solid reputation as a place to enjoy live music - making it a perfect fit to be host of this year's MTV EMAs.
In addition to year-round gigs and performances at venues of all shape and size, Manchester’s spring and summer months are packed with outdoor concert series and festivals held at the city’s sporting stadiums, Castlefield Bowl, and Heaton and Wythenshawe Parks, before the city becomes a clubbing mecca throughout the autumn and winter at venues like Warehouse Project.
The city’s reputation for a wider genre of music has also strengthened in recent years – the city's Hallé Orchestra will this year welcome a new Principal Conductor and Artistic Director, Kahchun Wong, taking over from Sir Mark Elder who has led the orchestra for 24 years, and in March, Manchester is due to host the Royal Philharmonic Society Awards, ‘the biggest night in UK classical music’ – for the first time outside of London. It has also been announced that English National Opera will relocate its main base from London to Manchester by 2029.
And in what is shaping up to be an amazing autumn of music in Manchester, the city is also set to host two major international music conferences this October in Worldwide Music Expo (WOMEX) - a behemoth packed with a huge trade fair, concerts, speakers, films, and an awards ceremony - and Beyond the Music, featuring performances, workshops and much more led by Oli Wilson, son of broadcaster and Manchester music legend, Tony Wilson.
Victoria Braddock, Managing Director of Marketing Manchester, said: "We're delighted that MTV has chosen Manchester as a host city for the MTV EMAs This marks a significant milestone in Manchester’s rich musical identity and adds to a packed year of events, such as WOMEX and Beyond the Music, that will help solidify Manchester as the UK’s go-to destination for music fans from across the globe.
“The decision to bring the MTV EMAs to Manchester is confirmation of the city-region's ability to attract major events and highlights the amazing venues we have here, including the soon-to-be-unveiled Co-Op Live, which will be a game-changer for live events in Greater Manchester. The MTV EMAs are another recognition of Manchester’s growing influence in the global music scene and will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase the city to a global audience.”