2026 Mercury Prize Fringe: Your Guide to Newcastle’s Music Takeover

You don't have to wait until 22nd October to hear the sounds of the 2026 Mercury Prize. Tune into the 2026 Mercury Prize Fringe from 15th-22nd October for 30+ events celebrating the North East’s emerging musical talent, with gigs, workshops, discussions, masterclasses and creative experiences taking over some of Newcastle’s most iconic venues and spaces.

Save the dates, turn up the volume and read on for your guide to the 2026 Mercury Prize Fringe.

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Ahead of the 2026 Mercury Prize event at Utilita Arena on 22nd October, the week-long Mercury Fringe shines a spotlight on Northern creativity with a jam-packed programme of music, culture and creativity taking over the city.

Powered by Generator, the North’s leading music development organisation, the 2026 Mercury Prize Fringe features mostly free events including live music showcases from local talent, lyric and album-producing masterclasses with music legends, workshops, listening parties, in-conversations and plenty more.

Playing Out - Freight Island, The Plant Room

As an Official Partner of the 2026 Mercury Prize, Freight Island hosts a Mercury Prize edition of Playing Out, giving emerging talent the chance to perform alongside more established names and reach new audiences. Expect live sets and artist conversations spotlighting the artists shaping music in the North right now. Headlining: Hannah Robinson. Grab tickets here.

For The Record x Edmondson - Baby Grey

For the Record joins forces with local DJ and producer Edmondson. Expect the usual open-deck format to kick things off, followed by a DJ set from the Lissoms label boss. Lineup: Edmondson. Grab tickets here.

The Globe Showcase - The Globe

The Globe’s showcase celebrates musical diversity in Newcastle, spotlighting the kind of emerging artists the venue exists to support. Headlined by Sophie Gordon Band’s disco, funk and pop, the lineup also features RYE’s electronic influences, the art student sounds of The Combovers and the folk- punk songwriting of Jade Mia Broadhead. The event closes with a DJ set from Visra. Lineup: Sophie Gordon Band – RYE – The Combovers – Jade Mia Broadhead – DJ Visra. Grab tickets here.

The Art Behind the Song - Tyneside Cinema

The music video is one of the most influential art forms in contemporary culture, bringing together music, film, design and visual storytelling. Hosted by Music Video Preservation Society founder David Knight, this special event combines a panel discussion and big-screen showcase exploring the creative process behind some of the UK’s most celebrated music videos. Grab tickets here.

Cobalt Studios Showcase - Cobalt Studios

Ancient Infinity Orchestra is a gathering of voices, traditions and energies converging into something timeless. Hailing from Leeds, the 16-member ensemble, led by double bassist and composer Ozzy Moysey, brings together double basses, harp, saxophones, clarinets, strings, woodwind, mandolin, piano and percussion, with bells and shakers ready for members to use whenever the spirit takes them. Their music is a journey inward and outward, always reaching toward the universal. Support comes from Cobalt resident Weston with a jazz-inspired DJ set. Lineup: Ancient Infinity Orchestra – Weston (DJ). Grab tickets here.

F54 Showcase - The Cumberland Arms

F54 celebrates the North’s deep bond with industrial sound. Transforming post-industrial collapse into a creative sanctuary, these three acclaimed artists bridge regional heritage with a futuristic sonic pulse. Expect euphoric and cathartic electronica in its rawest form, defined by mechanical, repetitive rhythms that echo the psyche of the North. Once forged in iron and steel, the region remains a haven for synthesised innovation. Lineup: Nadine Hurley – Crimewave – Sin Clair. Grab tickets here.

Northern Roots Showcase - Pilgrim

Northern Roots presents a showcase celebrating artists developing their sound at every stage of their journey. For over 40 years, Northern Roots has supported performers from their first live shows through to established careers, creating opportunities to grow, collaborate and connect. Expect an unforgettable evening of Afrobeats, Rap, R&B and Soul, with live performances and DJ sets delivering high energy, authentic storytelling and exceptional musicianship throughout the night. Hosted By Sushi Sound. Lineup: Te'Kiah – Maniko – Chloe Castro – TMJ – Kay Greyson – Mcxxne – Shakk – Sisi – DJ Miss Bundz – Look Left - Jamal G. Grab tickets here.

Liift Showcase - Head of Steam

Liift Live hosts an evening spotlighting one of the North East’s most exciting emerging acts. Headliners Dolder, identical twins Dani and Zara, pair harmony-led indie-pop with deeply personal songwriting, earning early acclaim from Rolling Stone, NME, The Line of Best Fit and Wonderland. Their debut EP The Motive marks them out as a rising force. Lineup: Dolder - Sarah Johnsone - Georgina Gale. Grab tickets here.

Ōdio Bar presents: Santa Leticia & Lovellious - Ōdio Bar, Miso

Worldwide FM residents Santa Leticia and Lovellious come together for an all-vinyl journey through jazz, soul, disco, broken beat, house, Latin, Brazilian, Afro and Caribbean sounds, alongside deep cuts and unexpected musical discoveries. Expect a journey through eclectic sounds from two experienced selectors. Lineup: Santa Leticia – Lovellious. Grab tickets here.

Sam Fender: Live at London Stadium Premiere - Tyneside Cinema

Be among the first audiences to experience Sam Fender: Live at London Stadium on the big screen. Capturing Sam Fender’s landmark headline performance at London Stadium on 5 June 2025, the film documents one of the defining live music moments of recent years, featuring special guest appearances from Olivia Dean and the Easington Colliery Brass Band. Grab tickets here.

Grainger Market Unplugged - Grainger Market

Grainger Market Unplugged is returning for the Mercury Prize Fringe, showcasing acoustic sets from some of the most exciting emerging North East artists throughout the day. Experience live music in the market from brunch to bait and tea. Supported by Creative Central NCL. Pay bar will be open throughout the day. Grainger Market Unplugged line up: FAWNS, Sam Bennett, Hels Pattison, Josh Webb, Polyvinyl, Bear Park Your Saturday shopping at Grainger Market just got a soundtrack. Supported by Creative Central NCL and programmed by The Support Act - Neave Farry. Grab tickets here.

Public House Hi-Fi Presents Tommy Caulker: A Life in Records - Gingerinos

Public House Hi-Fi welcomes Tom Caulker, founder of Newcastle’s World Headquarters, for a two-part event tracing a life spent sharing music through records and his impact on Newcastle’s music culture. The afternoon begins with a seated listening session on the Public House Hi-Fi sound system, with Tom sharing records that shaped his career and the stories behind them. Residents Diz and Vinny Vins then play records they first heard Tom play and which influenced their own musical paths. At 6pm, the deck chairs clear and Tom takes control for a five-hour, all-evening set. Lineup: Tom Caulker - Diz Jockey - Vinny Vins. Grab tickets here.

Public House Hi-Fi Presents Tommy Caulker - Gingerinos

Public House Hi-Fi welcomes Tom Caulker, founder of Newcastle’s World Headquarters, for a two-part event tracing a life spent sharing music through records and his impact on Newcastle’s music culture. The afternoon begins with a seated listening session on the Public House Hi-Fi sound system, with Tom sharing records that shaped his career and the stories behind them. Residents Diz and Vinny Vins then play records they first heard Tom play and which influenced their own musical paths. At 6pm, the deck chairs clear and Tom takes control for a five-hour, all-evening set. Lineup: Tom Caulker - Diz Jockey - Vinny Vins. Grab tickets here.

Byker Grave Showcase - The Lubber Fiend

Byker Grave Presents Scott Hepple & The Sun Band, the Newcastle-based garage and psych-rock band channel the best of 60s and 70s rock through fuzz-soaked guitars, big riffs and catchy choruses. Support comes from Scottish psych/occult rockers Lucid Sins. Lineup: Scott Hepple & The Sun Band – Lucid Sins. Grab tickets here.

Mini Mercury x First Gigs - The Grove

The First Gigs x Mini Mercury Showcase shines a spotlight on the next generation of North East artists. Three selected musicians, aged 12 to 18, will perform at The Grove, gaining hands-on experience of a professional live show, from preparation and technical advancing through to soundcheck and performance, alongside venue staff and sound engineers. Grab tickets here.

Inside the Making of Hector Gannet’s 'The Great Shakedown' - Polestar Studios

Join in for a deep dive into what it takes to make an album. Hector Gannet frontman and songwriter Aaron Duff, producer and engineer Alex Blamire and Grammy Award-winning mix engineer Eduardo De La Paz explore the making of 'The Great Shakedown', from songwriting and tracking through to production, mixing, mastering and commercial release. Grab tickets here.

Zerox Showcase - Zerox

Zerox hosts an evening spotlighting some of the North East’s most exciting emerging acts. The genre-defying riser Esau, glam-pop powerhouse Cortney Dixon and LJ Adams (The Safest Place, Chintzy Stetson) come together to celebrate the region’s vibrant local scene. Lineup: Esau – Cortney Dixon – LJ Adams. Grab tickets now.

Mini Mercury Promoters - The Cluny

From artist liaison and advancing to production, programming, promotion and everything in between, the cohort will be involved throughout the process, developing practical skills and insight into the live music industry. The programme is being delivered with the support of Notion Live Events, who will work alongside the cohort to share their expertise, guidance and experience, helping the next generation of live event professionals build the skills and confidence to deliver their own shows. Lineup: Nano Kino. Grab tickets here.

Navigating the New Era of Music Management - Live Theatre

Music management is evolving fast, and this one-day workshop offers practical insight into the realities, opportunities and responsibilities of modern music management. Led by Paul Bonham, Professional Development Director at the Music Managers Forum (MMF), the session is open to experienced and aspiring managers alike, with an inside look at the MMF’s latest work in training, business models, research and campaigning, and how it can support your development as a manager. Grab tickets here.

Newcastle Uni x Music Hubs: Amplify North East - The Boiler House, Newcastle University

Co-convened and hosted by Newcastle University, the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre, North-East Music Hub and Generator, Amplify North East brings together industry representatives, educators, policy specialists, researchers, young musicians and artists to celebrate the North East’s music sector and explore its strengths, opportunities and potential for future growth. The event aims to strengthen collaboration across industry, education, research and government, helping shape future policy, investment and partnership working across the region. Grab tickets here.

Ear to the Ground - Blast Recording

Ear to the Ground gives industry the chance to meet Newcastle’s artists first-hand and build lasting relationships with the local music scene. It’s an opportunity for those artists to take the next step in their careers. Each artist will showcase their work to industry guests, playing back previous recordings and performing a couple of new songs live in the studio. They’ll also leave with recordings they can keep and use in the future. Grab tickets here.

From Demos to Desk: Producing Pigs x7 - Blank Studios

North East producer and musician Sam Grant talks through the writing and production of 'Death Hilarious', the latest studio album from Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs. The workshop explores each stage, from home demos through to stereo and Atmos masters, using multitracks and session documents, while Sam offers a sense of how the big picture steers the minutia of the creative journey while making the album. Grab tickets here.

BBC Introducing From The Glasshouse - The Glasshouse International Centre for Music

Discover your next favourite artist live with The Glasshouse and BBC Introducing's monthly showcase for emerging and independent artists from the North East and beyond. Joining us for this Mercury Fringe special are headliner Tom A. Smith with support from Ellur and Robyn Banks - three artists well worth catching live. Lineup: Tom A. Smith – Ellur – Robyn Banks. Grab tickets here.

Made in the North: Music in Conversation - The Lobby Vinyl Lounge, Zerox

Hosted by Generators Young Ambassadors - Join us at Zerox' Vinyl Lounge for an evening of networking, conversation and music. Hear from platinum-selling producer Thom Lewis (AKA Bramwell Bronte), BBC Introducing's Shakk Hashemi, creative strategist Meg Savage, and rising artist Charlie Floyd as they share honest insights into breaking into the music industry and building a career from the North East. Throughout the evening, we will also be playing an extensive playlist of fantastic local artists. This event is a chance for North East creatives to connect with like-minded music professionals and artists, meet new collaborators, or simply enjoy the music. Guest Speakers: Thom Lewis, Shakk Hashemi, Meg Savage, Charlie Floyd. Grab tickets here.

Jimmy Turrell Presents Collage & Covers - The Biscuit Tin Studios

The session combines a 30-minute illustrated talk with a hands-on collage workshop. Jimmy shares the creative process behind record sleeves, single artwork, music videos and visual identities before guiding participants through his Dice & Disruption methodology. Using found imagery, typography and chance-based prompts, participants will create an original album or single sleeve while exploring how visual ideas respond to sound, mood and storytelling. Suitable for designers, illustrators, musicians, students and anyone developing a playful, experimental creative practice. Grab tickets here.

An Evening with Knats - John Marley Centre

Join Mercury Prize shortlisted Geordie Jazz band Knats for an in-conversation and listening party exploring the tracks, stories and inspirations behind the album, growing up in Newcastle’s West End, and the people, places and experiences that have shaped their sound. Grab tickets here.

EMI North x Notion Live Events Showcase - The Grove

EMI North presents some of the best emerging talent from across the North of the UK. Headlined by Glasgow alt-rockers walt disco, hot on the heels of their new self-titled album, with additional special guest performances from artists across EMI North’s partner labels. Proudly promoted with Notion Live Events. Lineup: walt disco. Grab tickets here.

Food Hall Takeover at Fenwick - Fenwick Newcastle, Food Hall

Celebrate Mercury Prize Fringe week with an after-hours takeover of Fenwick’s Food Hall. Expect an evening where exceptional food meets the city’s music energy, with live artists and a DJ soundtracking the night. Across the Food Hall, restaurants will be serving à la carte menus, alongside a selection of dishes created especially for Mercury week (line-up and menus to be revealed). Whether you’re joining for a late supper, a toast with friends, or to soak up the atmosphere between Fringe events, this is your invitation to experience Fenwick after dark - vibrant, atmospheric, and unmistakably Newcastle. Follow Fenwick Instagram for more info. Grab tickets here.

Tyne & Queer Showcase - Cluny 2

Tyne & Queer present a special double-headliner event featuring BONG II and THRAA, with support from GREET. Expect a night of expansive, heavy and atmospheric sounds from three distinctive acts. Lineup: BONG II – THRAA – GREET. Grab tickets here.

Generator Live Conference - The Crowne Plaza

A full day of conference panels, conversations and behind-the-scenes insights from artists and industry leaders shaping what’s next. Featuring brilliant speakers, special guests and plenty of chances to connect. Whether you're making music, building a career or just getting started, this is where you need to be. Grab tickets here.

Fenwick Fan Zone - Live Lounge Sessions - The Tavern at Fenwick Newcastle

Fenwick is proud to partner with the Mercury Prize, bringing the excitement to Newcastle with the Fenwick Fan Zone - created for fellow music obsessives. Set within The Tavern at Fenwick, this Live Lounge-style event invites you to discover the shortlisted albums in a new light, connect with other fans, and enjoy live performances that capture the spirit of Mercury week.

Six artists from the North East will be selected through an open call run by Generator, the North’s leading music development agency. Each will perform their own original music alongside an acoustic cover from one of this year’s Mercury Prize-shortlisted albums. Settle in for an afternoon of music, atmosphere and conversation as the city builds towards the biggest night in the UK music calendar. Follow Fenwick on Instagram for more info.