Manchester to host international music convention

Manchester has successfully bid to host the global music scene’s biggest conference, WOMEX, next October.

The music convention is billed as the most international and culturally diverse music meeting in the world and takes places in a different European city each year.

The event, which features a trade fair, talks, films and showcase concerts, opens to music industry delegates during the day and to the public for night-time ticketed events.

It is expected to attract over 2,600 music professionals and performing artists from around 90 different countries when Manchester hosts the event’s 30th anniversary from 23-27 October 2024.

The successful bid was led by the city council alongside local industry partners. Estimates suggest the convention will provide a direct economic boost to Manchester and the city region of around £3m.

Leader of Manchester City Council, Bev Craig, said the figures “speak for themselves in terms of the economic impact that hosting WOMEX 2024 on behalf of the UK will have”.

“But this isn't just about the numbers. Just as important will be the real opportunities it will give our musicians and other professionals working in the music industry to network and do business on their own doorstep with their peers from around the globe.”

WOMEX 2024 has received a £300,000 grant from Arts Council England and will also receive support from British Council, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Manchester City Council.