What to Expect from the 2025 Mercury Prize in Newcastle

Get ready Newcastle as on October 16th, for the first time ever the Mercury Prize moves beyond London and will be hosted right here in Newcastle, at the Utilita Arena. This is major news for Newcastle, it’s a huge cultural moment for our city, and we couldn’t be more excited! With real passion, talent and history, Newcastle is the perfect place to host such an iconic and prestigious music event.

The 2025 Mercury Prize 12 ‘Albums of the Year’ are:

• CMAT ‘EURO-COUNTRY’
• Emma-Jean Thackray ‘Weirdo’
• FKA twigs ‘EUSEXUA’
• Fontaines D.C. ‘Romance’
• Jacob Alon ‘In Limerence’
• Joe Webb ‘Hamstrings & Hurricanes’
• Martin Carthy ‘Transform Me Then Into A Fish’
• Pa Salieu ‘Afrikan Alien’
• PinkPantheress ‘Fancy That’
• Pulp ‘More’
• Sam Fender ‘People Watching’
• Wolf Alice ‘The Clearing’

There’s plenty of incredible artists nominated, from our local lad Sam Fender, to CMAT, Pulp, Wolf Alice and so many more big names! It's going to be a night to remember, that's for sure.

Our very own local hero Sam Fender will be back on home turf to perform at the event! You can also expect performances from Wolf Alice, Pulp, Pa Salieu, Emma-Jean Thackray, FKA Twigs, Martin Carthy, Jacob Alon and Joe Webb - such a fantastic line-up.

Make sure to grab your tickets now and don’t miss your chance to be part of history, as the world will be watching as we celebrate the very best in British and Irish music on our stage at Utilita Arena.

The best part is you don’t have to wait until October 16^th to get involved with the 2025 Mercury Prize. In the lead-up, get ready to enjoy the week-long Mercury Prize Fringe, placing Northern creativity on the global stage!

From Friday 10^th - Thursday 16^th October, there will be over 20 exciting free events taking place across the city, celebrating fantastic local musical talent, culture and creativity that we have right here in our region.

Powered by Generator, the North’s leading music development organisation, the Fringe brings a line-up of incredible live music showcases from local talent, lyric and album producing masterclasses with music legends, workshops, listening parties, in-conversations and so much more to enjoy!

Friday 10^th October 2025

• Lyrics in Music Masterclass with Paul Smith – Pop Recs, Sunderland – 10:30am-12:30pm
• The Essentials of Music ManaThe Essentials of Music Managementgement – Live Theatre, Newcastle – 4:30-7pm
• SunderlaSunderland Music City Showcasend Music City Emerging Artists Showcase – Pop Recs, Sunderland – 7pm
• Newcastle Festival of Jazz & Improvised Music ShowcaNewcastle Festival of Jazz & Improvised Music Showcasese - Gosforth Civic Theatre – 7:30pm
• Nrthrn Baby ShNrthrn Baby Showcaseowcase - Pilgrim, Newcastle – 7:30pm

Saturday 11^th October 2025

• An Insight into Developing Visual Narratives with Music Artists - Three Tanners Bank, North Shields – 1-3pm
• PRS Foundation 25th Anniversary celebrations: Songwriting masterclass - Cobalt Studios, Newcastle
• Howay Again - Queen’s Hall Arts Centre, Northumberland – 7:30pm
• Howay the Lasses Workshop - Queen’s Hall Arts Centre, Northumberland – 3-5pm
• Hapless Museum Worker Showcase – Claypath Delicatessen, Durham – 6pm
• F54 Showcase - Three Tanners Bank, North Shields- 7pm

Sunday 12^th October 2025

• The Coastal Smile – Customs House, South Tyneside – 7pm
• Modern Songwriting & Production - Mark Hillery Music Studios, Durham – 9:30-5pm
• Wandering Oak Showcase - Cumberland Arms, Newcastle -7:30pm

Monday 13^th October 2025

• MPG Listen and Link - Blast Recording, Newcastle – 3-6pm
• World HQ Cultivates presents: Album Production Masterclass with Nectax - World HQ – 7-10pm
• Tim’s Listening Party with Lanterns on the Lake – The Glasshouse, Gateshead – 7:30pm

Tuesday 14^th October 2025

• Generator Live Conference – Civic Centre, Newcastle – 10:30am
• BBC Introducing from The Glasshouse: Generator x Mercury Prize Fringe Special - The Glasshouse, Gateshead – 8pm

Wednesday 15^th October 2025

• Art of the Album Day - The Common Room, Newcastle – 10am
• A Stone’s Throw & Notion Live Events Showcase – The Grove, Newcastle – 7pm

Thursday 16^th October 2025

• Mercury at Fenwick Fanzone - Fenwick - from 12pm

A city that sings all year round

In Newcastle and Gateshead, we’re a city that sings all year round! With so many fantastic live music events, you’re basically spoilt for choice. Find your next gig here. 

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Check out the best accommodation in the city. From comfortable family rooms, luxurious stays or a city centre spot - there is something that suits everyone. Book your accommodation here.