The MTV EMAs are to be held in Manchester for the first time ever this year, and are set to take over the new Co-op Live arena.
MTV has just officially confirmed the exciting news this morning (29 February).
Now in its 30th year, MTV’s annual European Music Awards is one of music’s biggest global celebrations, by far, and now it’s been confirmed that the 2024 show will be staged right here in our city to mark its long-awaited return to the UK.
Broadcasting from Manchester’s brand-new, purpose-built live entertainment arena, Co-op Live, on MTV in over 150 countries on Sunday 10 November 2024, the show is set to honour and unite music’s brightest stars.
The show will additionally be available in multiple territories on Pluto TV, and on-demand on Paramount+.
Announcing this morning that the iconic awards show is set to take to Manchester’s biggest stage later this year, Bruce Gillmer, who is the President and Chief Content Officer of Music at Paramount+, said: “The MTV EMAs is one of the biggest global music celebrations, bringing together local and international artists to create iconic performances for fans around the world, and with music at the very heart of Manchester’s rich creative heritage, this vibrant city will guarantee a supercharged 2024 show.
Gary Roden, who is the Executive Director and General Manager at Co-op Live, has added that the new venue is “honoured” to host this year’s EMAs and “become part of the MTV story” as a way of cementing Manchester’s standing within the global live entertainment industry.
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Cllr Bev Crag, the Leader of Manchester City Council, says MTV “could not have picked a better place” for this year’s EMAs.
MTV EMAs to be held in Manchester for first time ever at Co-op Live arena / Credit: Supplied
“As a city that is known the world over for our legendary music scene, MTV could not have picked a better place for this year’s EMAs.
“With the expertise, experience, and reputation we also have for delivering successful, world-class events, we’re confident Manchester will provide a superb platform for the best MTV EMAs yet, and we look forward to welcoming MTV and the global music community to our city for what is set to be an epic celebration of music and artists.
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“Manchester meets MTV – we can’t wait.”
We're thrilled to announce that the 2024 @mtvema will take place in Manchester here at Co-op Live on 10 November 2024 🎤
As Manchester‘s newest – and soon-to-be the UK’s largest – live entertainment arena nears closer to officially opening its doors and welcoming visitors, Co-op Live has been slowly revealing the music acts set to grace the stage as part of its huge launch season jam-packed full of events.
Bolton comedian Peter Kay will open the arena with a special show this April, and countless other major world-renowned artists have all been announced as performing throughout the rest of the year – including Eagles, Olivia Rodrigo, Jonas Brothers, Kings of Leon, Eric Clapton, Take That, Simply Red, Niall Horan, and so many more.
But the MTV VMAs is the first event of its kind to be announced on the venue’s eclectic and ever-growing lineup.
The 2024 MTV EMAs are to be held at the Co-op Live in Manchester on Sunday 10 November 2024, and fans looking to secure tickets are advised to keep their eyes peeled.
Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons
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Manchester institution ‘a little emotional’ after receiving a visit from rock icon Hayley Williams
Daisy Jackson
Rock icon Hayley Williams has been spotted shopping at Manchester institution Afflecks.
The legendary independent retail emporium said it was ‘feeling a little emotional’ after its halls were graced with rock royalty.
And not only did the Paramore frontwoman and acclaimed solo singer-songwriter come for a browse, she even gave Afflecks a shout-out on stage later that night.
Hayley Williams headlined two solo shows at Manchester Academy on Monday and Tuesday this week.
The shows are in support of her third studio album, Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party.
And despite being known globally as one of music’s best lead vocalists, this is actually Hayley Williams’ first solo tour (her previous dates were cancelled because of Covid).
While on stage in front of fans last night, she said: “I’ve learnt some Mancunian, and I’ve been to Afflecks!”
It sounds like she’s as lovely as she is legendary, with Afflecks saying that the star hung around to chat and take photos.
Sharing photos of the star inside the building, Afflecks wrote: “So a very special visitor stopped by Afflecks yesterday…
“A huge thank you to Hayley Williams for taking the time to visit us, say hello, and pose for a photo. She was so super lovely, kind, and welcoming, and to top it all off she even gave Afflecks a shout-out during last night’s show.
“Safe to say we’re feeling a little emotional about it. Thank you again Hayley for supporting Manchester’s small businesses.”
Secret stages, surprise sets and non-stop sunshine – here’s what went down at Parklife 2026
Clementine Hall
Parklife 2026 has officially wrapped up, and dare we say it might have been the best one yet?
Well, that’s it folks. One of the biggest weekends on Manchester’s musical calendar has been ticked off, and what a time we had.
The rolling hills of Heaton Park welcomed thousands of ravers who two-stepped from the moment the gates opened until the final vibrations echoed from the speakers.
So, while we nurse our sore feet and slap on the aftersun, let’s reflect on Parklife 2026 and catch you up on what you might have missed.
Images: The Manc Group
For once, the weather actually delivered.
Blue skies and glorious sunshine stuck around all weekend, giving festival-goers the perfect excuse to stay out from open to close and making Heaton Park look more like Ibiza than north Manchester. We’re exaggerating, of course, but you get the picture.
While headline sets from pop princess Zara Larsson and grime MC Skepta drew huge crowds, some of the biggest moments happened away from the main stages.
Images: The Manc Group
After all, when else can you watch Manc icon Bez DJing on a rooftop at a secret garden party? It truly was a sight to behold.
The festival introduced three brand-new secret stages this year, which we think were a fantastic addition. Our favourite was the Bossmans Tent – an exclusive stage hidden behind the facade of a corner shop, where festival-goers had to enter through a fridge to discover the music inside.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a festival without a few cheeky surprise sets thrown into the mix. Enter Aitch.
At this point, the Manchester rapper is basically a Parklife resident, popping up each year to surprise crowds with a song or two. This year, our hometown hero joined Bou on stage, sending fans into a complete and utter meltdown.
Images: The Manc Group
The city was also well represented through a number of stage takeovers across the weekend. Ghosts of Garage, the Manchester-born brand that has built a loyal following across the region, brought together a host of local DJs on Sunday for a takeover that felt like a celebration of the city’s thriving dance music scene.
One of the most anticipated additions for 2026, the new Panorama stage was a real standout. Featuring a belting 100m LED screen, huge dance platforms and behind-the-booth access, there wasn’t a quiet moment there all weekend – and it’s not hard to see why.
Sheffield DJ Silva Bumpa drew one of the busiest crowds of the weekend at Panorama, creating relentless energy from start to finish. Fans were packed shoulder-to-shoulder as one of the UK’s fastest-rising names delivered a set worthy of all the hype.
Emily Sergeant -
29th February 2024 
