As sector lead for Manchester Music City we're excited to have been part of the winning bid to host this prestigious global event on behalf of the UK and Ireland in October 2024.
WOMEX takes place each year in a different European city and features a huge trade fair, talks, films and showcase concerts. While the daytime activities are reserved for music industry delegates, the live night-time music events will be ticketed and open to members of the public as well as delegates.
With Manchester Music City at its helm, Manchester’s winning bid was led by the city council with Brighter Sound, English Folk Expo, Marketing Manchester, the hub, Factory International, Horizons, British Council and Arts Council England.
Hosting WOMEX will put Manchester firmly front and centre of the international music scene with the event expected to attract over 2,600 music professionals and performing artists from around 90 different countries.
The musical spectrum of WOMEX covers everything from the most traditional of music forms to the latest local underground, embracing folk, roots, jazz and local cultures, alongside urban and electronic sounds from across the globe.
The convention will take place at venues across the city centre – with Manchester Central hosting the main conference and trade fair, and venues including Aviva Studios, Albert Hall, Bridgewater Hall and O2 Ritz all set to host live music showcases, alongside a programme of international films at HOME.
Want to know more?
Read the full press release on the Manchester Music City website
“As a city with music in its DNA, where better to host one of the most important international music events in the world. Bringing WOMEX to Manchester in 2024 demonstrates a strong commitment to the value of international music, and of being connected to the global music industry.
“Hosting WOMEX will help us to promote our incredible city region on the world stage, strengthen our reputation as an innovative, diverse and international hub for music, and channel our innovative and creative spirit into supporting new waves of talent. The impact of WOMEX 2024 will be made possible by the partnership with UK and Ireland, ensuring a cultural, social, and economic legacy resonating across the city region, the North and beyond.”
Debra King, Director of Brighter Sound and Manchester Music City
WOMEX 2024 Partners and Supporters
The WOMEX 2024 partners are Manchester City Council, Brighter Sound, English Folk Expo, Piranha Arts, Marketing Manchester, Horizons and the wider Manchester Music City Steering Group.
The event is being supported by Arts Council England, British Council and Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
