The international music convention WOMEX is gearing up to celebrate its 30th edition in Manchester, UK, next year. Set to take place from October 23 to 27, 2024, this marks the debut of WOMEX in Manchester and the third edition in the UK, with its last editions being hosted in Cardiff, Wales, in 2013 and Gateshead/Newcastle in 2005.
With Manchester Music City at its helm, Manchester's bid was led by the city council, with partners Brighter Sound and English Folk Expo, along with additional support from Arts Council England, British Council, Horizons and Marketing Manchester.
The WOMEX event will take place at venues in the heart of city centre - with Manchester Central hosting the main daytime 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.
Piranha Arts, the owners and producers of WOMEX, based in Berlin, will work closely with Marketing Manchester and the rest of the Manchester event team over the next year to market the event to potential delegates and participants worldwide.
Choosing Manchester as the destination for WOMEX's 30th edition is a testament to the city's vibrant cultural heritage and role as a dynamic hub for the global music industry. Manchester's rich history of innovation, iconic music scene, and passionate community of artists and music enthusiasts make it an ideal host for this milestone event. With its first-ever appearance in Manchester, WOMEX not only celebrates its three decades of existence but also embraces the city's unique charm, diversity and global significance in the world of music.
Tom Besford, from event delivery partner English Folk Expo, said:
Manchester will be an amazing place to host WOMEX. I'm incredibly excited to welcome the international music industry to our city, and it's even more brilliant for local audiences to see some of the most spectacular worldwide bands. This really is the best gathering of global music anywhere. I hope music lovers from across the region and beyond embrace this once-in-a-generation event to discover life-changing music.
Alexander Walter, director, WOMEX, shared:
It is wonderful to be in Manchester, marking the 30th anniversary of WOMEX amidst this city's vibrant cultural boom and diversity. Gathering the global music community in Manchester, alongside friends, collaborators and creative minds from the UK and Ireland and beyond, presents a remarkable opportunity for all. We are all very excited.
This announcement comes in the final weeks leading up to the 29th edition of WOMEX that will be taking place in A Coruna, Galicia, Spain from 25 – 29 October 2023.
article posted by:Gideon Elfgen, Piranha Arts