Mercury rising as music event heads to Newcastle

A major celebration of musical talent is heading to the North East for the first time.

The 2025 Mercury Prize, which recognises the best new British and Irish albums, will be held at Newcastle's Utilita Arena on Thursday, October 16.

It will be the first time the awards ceremony has taken place outside London. 

Organised in partnership with Newcastle City Council, the North East Combined Authority and music development agency Generator, the move follows Newcastle’s high-profile hosting of the MOBO Awards in February.

Dr Jo Twist, chief executive of the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), which organises the annual Mercury Prize, said: “We are delighted to announce this ground-breaking moment for the Mercury Prize. 

“We, and our label community, are committed to celebrating and providing the opportunity to showcase talent from all over the UK.  

“Newcastle is a true music city, and we are excited to work with our partners to deliver this inaugural moment and a memorable Mercury Prize 2025.”

Councillor Karen Kilgour, leader of Newcastle City Council, added: “The fact Newcastle has been chosen as the first location for the Mercury Prize to ever be held outside of London speaks volumes of the growing strength of the music industry in the city and wider city region. 

“I am biased, of course, but this is the best city in the world, and it is no surprise to me there is global interest in Newcastle.

“We’ve just shown what Newcastle is capable of with one of the biggest and best MOBO Awards, which went far beyond an awards ceremony with a vast array of opportunities and exhibitions to showcase the diversity of musical talent in the region while providing industry experience opportunities to hundreds of young people. 

“The Mercury Prize needed no further evidence that Newcastle was the place to hold this event.”

North East mayor Kim McGuinness added: “Bringing the Mercury Prize to the North East is yet another fantastic accolade that builds on our proud cultural history and strengthens our reputation as a region of culture.”

The 12-album shortlist will be announced on Wednesday, September 10, with the event broadcast across BBC platforms. 

Last year’s winner was English Teacher, with past recipients including Little Simz, Wolf Alice, Dave, Young Fathers and Ezra Collective.

In the week leading up to the awards, Generator will deliver a fringe programme across the region, celebrating Northern musical talent and engaging local artists, venues and communities.

Mick Ross, chief executive of Generator, added: “Following the MOBOs, Music City initiatives, Sonic Futures, the Northern Music Export Office, and our partnerships with EMI North and Warner, this moment cements the North East’s position as the new home of the Northern music industry.”

Public tickets are now on sale. See here for more details.

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