Manchester Central Convention Centre will host the G20 Leaders’ Summit on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 November 2027, with police warning that large parts of the city centre will be closed off during the event.
It will be the first G20 leaders’ summit held in the UK since London hosted it in 2009. As well as heads of government from G20 members, the summit is expected to bring thousands of diplomats, officials and journalists to the city, along with campaigners and protesters. Leaders invited include US President Donald Trump.
The UK takes over the G20 presidency from the US in December, and other G20 events will be held in locations around the UK during 2027.
Garry Bridges, leader of Manchester City Council, said the summit would bring opportunities “both in the short term for our hospitality sector and in the longer term for attracting investment, visitors and jobs”.
A ‘ring of steel’
Speaking on BBC Radio Manchester, Greater Manchester Police’s chief constable, Sir Stephen Watson, said: “There will be vast areas of the city that will be properly locked down.” He said a “ring of steel” would be put around key sites, and that there would be thousands of police officers in Greater Manchester during the summit.
Watson warned the operation would put a strain on the force’s resources, saying: “If we’re not careful, it could sadly bend us out of shape.” But he said he was confident that Greater Manchester Police, with help from forces around the UK, would deliver it, and that the cost would be met by central government rather than local taxpayers.