Manchester is gearing up for an unmissable week-long music takeover, as the MTV EMAs land in the city. MTV Music Week will take place across a wide array of Manchester’s most beloved local venues between November 5-9, with artists from across the nation coming together to celebrate this monumental date in the music calendar.

The city is renowned for its lively music scene and support of underground artists; MTV Music Week promises to explore the depths of Manchester’s diverse and distinct sounds that define today’s music culture.

The week of festivities will culminate in a star-studded main event at the Co-op Live on November 10 featuring Benson Boone, RAYE, Shawn Mendez, Teddy Swims and The Warning. We round up the highlights before the big night.

MTV Gonzo on Tour – Rebellion 

Kicking off this celebration of music is MTV Gonzo on Tour, hosted at Rebellion on Tuesday November 5. Gonzo represents everything alternative, indie music is about, bringing upcoming bands and artists to the forefront. 

The magazine music show, previously hosted by Alexa Chung and Zane Lowe, will bring some of the UK’s most impressive artists together for one night. The night will feature a line-up of some of the most exciting talents including Witch Fever, ALT BLK ERA, and emerging post-punk band, Dead Pony. 

MTV Push Live – SOUP 

On November 6, MTV Push Live will introduce a new audience to some of Manchester’s best breakthrough artists. Curated in collaboration with global music conference Beyond the Music, the showcase at award-winning venue SOUP will give a stage to artists such as Harry Strange, Phoebe Hall and LARKINS.

MTV x Ramona Radio Rave – Ramona 

If you are more inclined to upbeat dance music, this show may be your best option. Curated with Ramona Radio Rave, expect this show to bring music fans a special night of music filled with Mancunian stars.

As part of Ramona Radio MTV Takeover, upcoming local artists such as Chunky, Sno and Ms Dee will grace the stage of this showcase on November 6.

MTV EMAs: 30 years – Aviva Studios 

One for the MTV mega fans, the MTV EMAs: 30 Years Exhibition will run from Wednesday 6 to Friday 8 at Aviva Studios. It’ll be a trip down memory lane, reminiscing on all that has occurred on the EMA stage over the past three decades: from chaos to brilliance and everything in between. 

Take for example Miley Cyrus’ controversial performance in 2013, as was customary rebellion in that era of Cyrus’ music, she pulled out a spliff while up on stage and immediately began smoking it. Or Rick Astley rickrolling his way to ‘Best Act Ever’ in 2008 before the Beatles, Britney Spears, U2, and every other brilliant musician in history. The ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ artist received 100 million votes, guaranteeing his triumph, but he failed to show up to accept the prize. Fans have become accustomed to the fact that there is going to be at least some small element of chaos at each EMA Awards. 

Curated from the Getty Images archive, the exhibition is a celebration of all the artists, bands, and pop culture moments associated with the EMAs. 

MTV Push Live – Band on the Wall 

Music Week continues with MTV Push Live at Band on the Wall, set to be hosted by Manchester’s own DJ duo, Shimrise. Fans can anticipate an array of performances from alt-pop musician Nxdia, singer-songwriter Nina Cobham, and R&B soul artist Rumbi Tauro, as the evening highlights the hottest up-and-coming talent in the city. It is a celebration of everything Manchester has to offer and will take place on Thursday November 7. 

MTV Presents: Piri & Tommy 

Arriving at New Century Hall on November 7, MTV Presents: Piri & Tommy celebrates student basement club culture. The duo formed in lockdown, making last year’s ‘MTV Push Top 10 Artist’ list. Their music has already made a significant impact, being recognised on the longlist for BBC Radio 1’s Sounds Of 2023.

Yo! MTV Raps: NQ Rated – Freight Island 

Yo! MTV Raps, the show that brought rap and hip hop to a global audience, will be hosting an exclusive showcase in collaboration with NQ at Freight Island. A must-see live music event, Nemzzz, 163Margs, and more are on the YO! MTV Raps – NQ Rated line-up for Friday November 8, thanks to a partnership between MTV and the Manchester label that gave rise to the famed Northern rap scene.

MTV x Homobloc Brunch Royale – DieCast 

Manchester’s renowned queer celebration joins forces with MTV for a huge brunch party at DieCast. MTV x Homobloc Brunch Royale promises to be the ideal warm up for the main event taking place later that day, Saturday November 9.

Comprising Banksie, Jackie P, Ghetto Fabulous, Gina Breeze, Lill, and more of Manchester’s finest drag queens, dancers, and DJs. The audience crowns the queens over a 90-minute participatory bottomless brunch that is riveting and, of course, camp.

MTV x Homobloc – The Roof Terrace at Depot Mayfield 

Manchester’s known for its inclusivity, welcoming every individual with open arms. The celebrations continue at this nightlife institution. Featuring collaborations with LGBTQ+ parties Homoelectric and Make Me Feel, HOMOBLOC is set to be one of the most anticipated nights of music week.  

Club MTV Presents: Salute – Hidden 

What better way to round off Music Week than with a night that celebrates one of Manchester’s most compelling, upcoming DJs at Club MTV Presents: Salute. The city has played a key part in the dance music scene, with its reputation becoming known across the world.

Selected as the Best Club at DJ Mag’s Best of British Awards in 2023, Hidden has established itself as a mainstay in Manchester’s partying scene and the go-to place for lovers of all electronic music.