What to Expect from the 2026 Mercury Prize in Newcastle

Get ready Newcastle as on October 22nd, for the second year running the Mercury Prize moves beyond London and will be hosted right here in Newcastle, at the Utilita Arena. It’s another huge cultural moment for our city! Following our local hero Sam Fender taking home the Mercury Prize in 2025, this year’s ceremony is set to be another fantastic celebration of the very best in British and Irish music.

Each year, the shortlist is curated by an independent judging team of music industry professionals who are eternally passionate about spotlighting artistic achievement across a range of genres.

The 2026 Mercury Prize judging team is:

• AFRODEUTSCHE - Composer, DJ & Radio 3 Unwind & 6 Music Broadcaster
• Danielle Perry - Broadcaster (Absolute Radio & Jazz FM) & Musician
• Jamie Cullum - Musician & Radio 2 Broadcaster
• Jeff Smith - Head of Music, Radio 2 & 6 Music
• Lea Stonhill - Music Programming Consultant
• MistaJam - Songwriter, DJ & Broadcaster
• Phil Alexander - Creative Director, Kerrang!/Contributing Editor, MOJO
• Sian Eleri - Radio 1 Broadcaster & DJ
• Sophie Williams - Music Writer & Broadcaster
• Will Hodgkinson - Chief Rock & Pop Critic, The Times
• The Chair of the judging team is Jeff Smith.

Also announced is the return of Radio 1 presenter and DJ Maia Beth, who will be hosting exclusive artist interviews with those featuring on the ‘Albums of the Year’ shortlist for Mercury Prize social channels, and will also be hosting red carpet coverage of the Awards Show in Newcastle.

The 2026 Mercury Prize 12 ‘Albums of the Year’ are:

• Dave - ‘The Boy Who Played the Harp’
• Dove Ellis - ‘Blizzard’
• Florence + The Machine - ‘Everybody Scream’
• JADE - ‘THAT’S SHOWBIZ BABY!’
• Knats - ‘A Great Day In Newcastle’
• Kojey Radical - ‘Don't Look Down’
• Nia Archives - ‘Emotional Junglist’
• Olivia Dean - ‘The Art of Loving’
• Paul McCartney - ‘The Boys of Dungeon Lane’
• RAYE - ‘THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE.’
• Suede - ‘Antidepressants’
• War Child Records - ‘HELP(2)’

From our Angel of the North Jade, local lads Knats, to Olivia Dean, Paul McCartney and Raye, there’s so many incredibly talented acts nominated for the prize. Our local lass Jade will even be back on home turf to perform at the event! You can also expect performances from the shortlisted artists, you're in for such a great night.

Make sure to grab your tickets now and don’t miss out on such an iconic event returning to Newcastle, as the world will be watching as we celebrate the very best in British and Irish music on our stage at Newcastle Utilita Arena.

Keep an eye on this page for Mercury Prize Fringe events being announced for 2026.

-- Take a look below at the highlights from the 2025 Fringe Week! --

Friday 10th 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 11th 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 12th 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 13th 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 14th 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 15th 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 16th 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.