Manchester’s ‘Golden Nugget Gift Bag’ Steals the Spotlight with Star-Studded swag! 

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Move over, Oscars! The MTV EMAs in Manchester rolled out a next-level ‘Golden Nugget Gift Bag’ by Nugget Events, packed with rare experiences and exclusive goodies. Featuring luxury getaways, celebrity-approved treats, and a mix of quirky finds and locally crafted gems, this swag bag was the talk of the backstage!

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​David Batchelor, Co-founder of Nugget Events, said, ‘The “Golden Nugget Gift Bag” blew up worldwide! This wasn’t just a freebie fest — it was about shining a light on small businesses, minority-owned brands, and companies making a difference. The real highlight was showcasing Manchester’s local gems on a global stage. And as for the bag’s value? Supporting local brands like this is priceless!’

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The event's highlight was Manchester artist David Speed’s unique spray-painted artwork, including a bespoke portrait piece of Busta Rhymes and Croydon-born singer Raye. Rhymes, who took home the MTV EMA's Global Icon Award, was so impressed he gave the artist a shout-out in his acceptance speech — a moment Speed says will be life-changing.

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David Batchelor from Nugget Events explained, ‘This wasn’t just a treat for celebrities; it was an opportunity for brands, big and small, to be part of MTV’s iconic platform, embracing MTV's ethos of supporting emerging artists and giving them the stage to showcase their talent — that’s what it’s all about. Performers and presenters alike enjoyed championing small brands and celebrating young, talented artists.’

 

Major names like Wrangler, Crocs, Revive Collagen, Marshalls, Gibson, Necklays and Dr Dennis Gross had interactive spaces alongside Manchester based businesses like Phix Clothing, Astella Jewellery, Sneak Energy, ROK Headwear and Adrienne Weber. Local talented artists Thomas Wolski and Lea Williams were also on hand to create live art and customise jackets within the lounge. 

 

Courthouse Interiors brought an extra spark to the backstage with a stunning lounge, featuring bold designs from the Milan-based brand Qeeboo. To keep things lively and hydrated, Ghostlabs added their twist with unique, flavoured cocktails served in eco-friendly, recyclable cans, ensuring the vibes were as green as they were refreshing.

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The backstage lounge became the ultimate hotspot hangout, complete with an F1 simulator from the awesome guys at SimStaff, and a hand-made pool table by William Bentley Billiards. There was even a ‘Backstage Pool Shark’ trophy up for grabs and Raye’s guitarist snagged the win, while a Shawn Mendes crew member set the fastest F1 lap for bragging rights! 

 

Acknowledging the critics, David added, ‘There’s no denying the power of celebrity influence. For brands, it’s a chance to amplify their message, and for local businesses, it can change everything, as we witnessed in David Speed’s case, where it put his work out to the world and will no doubt change his life. Plus, it’s a bit of fun for the performers and their teams, and the artists normally share the swag amongst the crew, so its win-win for everyone! These award shows aren’t as glamorous as they seem; there’s a lot of downtime and waiting around during rehearsals, so the backstage lounge was a huge hit for passing the hours.’

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The swag bag itself, a year in the making, held luxe items like trips to Las Vegas, Abu Dhabi, and the Monaco Grand Prix, Rod Stewart’s exclusive Wolfie whisky, Margot Robbie’s gin, bespoke Wrangler jackets customised by local Stockport artist Lea Williams, Crocs, memberships at The Ned and Pavilion Club, Astella jewellery, designer clothing, Marshall speakers, private tours and Manchester City match tickets, tequila, candles, and even a cheeky chicken nugget keyring - the evening’s surprise hit! Alongside big brands such as Revlon, host's Rita Ora's TypeBea, Old Gringo and Kodak, smaller independent brands such as WickGuru, HereWeFlo and Original Creator also got a chance to shine.

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There was absolutely no chance of anyone going hungry backstage! Alongside the epic catering from Eat Your Hearts Out, Greggs rolled in with 50-metre-long boxes packed with sausage rolls, specially designed to keep the artist and crew fuelled up — because there ain’t no party like an MTV party!

The 100 swag bags for performers, talent, and MTV’s specially invited guests required military-level organisation! Manchester City football club generously loaned Nugget Events their epic stadium for the day – because, yes, it took an entire arena to pack all the bags! Goods rolled in by artic lorry, and Manchester based recruitment company Indeed Flex provided local crew, helping Nugget with everything from stuffing bags and setting up backstage to keeping the VIP lounge buzzing, right through to Monday morning’s sunrise packdown. Huge shoutout to Fragilistics for delivering over 360 pallets of goodies and gear from across the globe – true legends!

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Keeping with the ethos of giving back, one of the bags will be auctioned off to a lucky winner with all proceeds to go to a local Manchester charity. ‘The vibe in Manchester was electric. This gift bag wasn’t just a perk – it was pure Mancunian spirit,’ David said.

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The MTV EMA's brought stars like Teddy Swims, Shawn Mendes, Benson Boone, and others to Manchester’s newley-opened Co-op Live, where the ‘Golden Nugget Swag Bag’ and backstage lounge, the brain-child of Nugget Events, delivered a perfect mix of luxe gifting and local pride and created some magical, often Mancunian moments!

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A big thank you to all the brands that participated! 

1:11, Adrienne Weber - Custom personalised leather jackets, Afrocenchix, AKT - Beauty Products, Anastasia, Ardells, Astrella Jewelry, Balm Body, Balmonds, BIG POTATOE GAMES, Blush, Bodyism, Boundless, Bütique - Clothing, Cantu, Ceptaphil, Collaboration Shoes 00, COLOUR WOW, Mollys Cookies, Crocs, David Speed Artist - Limited Edition Art, Diesel Aftershave, Dr Dennis GROSS, Dr Paw Paw, EMOLYN, Fabletics, Fantasitico FANS, Fenty, Gibson - Guitar T-Shirts, picks and straps, Gisada Perfume, Ghostlabs, Grace and Stella, GP Management - Weekend invitation to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix aboard a yacht, Hacien Tequila, Harman Cameras, Heinz Advent calendars, HOOSH, Huel, INKEY, JaJou, JS HEALTH, Kielle, Klash Clothing, Kodak Cameras, Kurlansky, LASHUK, Lindt, Lumene, Man City - Private tour and match tickets, Marshalls - Speakers & headphones, Meloyn, MZ Skin, Necklays, NICKELODEON MEXICO RESORT - All inclusive week long stay for two, NOYZ perfume, OLD GRINGO cowboy boots, Original Creator, Papa Salt Gin by Margot Robbie, Pavillion Club Membership, Pecci, Phillip B, Phillip Colbert, PHIX, Prolon, Proper, Revlon Hair Tools, REVIVE, Rock on Ruby caps, Rose & Carmel, ROK Hat, Sculpt, Sensory Retreats, Sephora advent calendar, Sneak Energy, Steepletone bulb, SunaMask, The Lowry Hotel, The Ned Membership at the vaults, The Oak Group - Full weekend hospitality to the Vegas F1 GP, The Stock Exchange Hotel, The Titanic Hotel, Townhouse Nails, TrenTonic, VICCI X Rolling Stones - Cool guitar shaped bags, VITAMASQUES, Wick Guru, Wolfies Whisky - By Rod Stewart, Wolski Artist - Custom Art, Wrangler - Custom hand Painted Jackets, ZING, Zymurgorium, Nugget Events chicken nugget keyring!​

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