Mercury Prize shines spotlight on North East

A national music awards event has delivered a significant cultural and economic boost for the North East after putting the region firmly on the global stage.

New figures show the 2025 Mercury Prize generated more than £1.4 million for the regional economy after the prestigious ceremony was hosted in Newcastle. 

A report commissioned by Newcastle City Council highlights the breadth of the impact, spanning visitor spend, job creation, international media exposure and grassroots cultural engagement.

The awards ceremony took place at the Utilita Arena on October 16, where local artist Sam Fender claimed the top prize. 

Broadcast by BBC Music and streamed worldwide, the event, which was supported by Newcastle City Council and the North East Combined Authority, marked the first time in the Mercury Prize’s history that it had been staged outside London.

Councillor Karen Kilgour, leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “Hosting the Mercury Prize was about more than music – it was about showcasing the incredible talent and culture of the Newcastle city region.

“We had already shown with the MOBOs that we knew how to host a worldwide event and us Geordies delivered once again with the Mercury Prize.

“It was more than the Prize itself, the wider Fringe events that were led by Generator and which created such excitement across the entire region were just as important.

“I want to thank the BPI for having such confidence in Newcastle and all our partners who were involved. 

“The figures speak for themselves, whether that be boosting our economy or providing legitimate career opportunities for our residents, the Mercury Prize and fringe events had an incredible impact.

“I want every young person growing up here to be able to reach their full potential, and that includes in the music industry. 

“I am proud that we are establishing Newcastle as the cultural heartbeat of the North and that ambition is not slowing down. 

“I can’t wait for what 2026 has to come.”

North East mayo, Kim McGuinness added: “The North East has proven time and time again that we know how to throw a party, and are capable of putting on memorable events. 

“But bringing the Mercury Prize here was bigger than the star-studded nominees – it was about inspiring and showcasing a new generation of talent in our region. 

“I would love to see one of the thousands of people who performed at the fringe events, went along to a workshop or were in the crowd watching Sam Fender take the prize home to follow in his footsteps and be a future Mercury Prize nominee themselves.” 

Alongside the main ceremony, a wide-ranging fringe programme extended activity across the North East. 

Led by Newcastle-based music development agency Generator, the programme attracted almost 8000 visitors and engaged more than 8300 participants through performances, workshops and community events.

The fringe activity generated £874,724 in visitor spending and an estimated £552,868 in gross value added to the regional economy, supporting the equivalent of 13 jobs.

Mick Ross, chief executive at Generator, added: “Generator led the work to bring the Mercury Prize to Newcastle, and we were determined that it wouldn’t stop at a single awards night. 

“By designing and delivering the fringe programme, we made sure this moment created real opportunities – for local artists, for young people, and for the wider music economy. 

“We’ve seen time and again, from Sam Fender’s shows to the MOBO Awards and now the Mercury Prize – when you invest properly in music and creative infrastructure, the economic return follows. 

“This is about shifting the centre of gravity and proving the North has the infrastructure, talent and ambition to deliver at a world-class level.”

Cultural participation was also central to the programme, with 35 local people gaining work experience and 68 children taking part in Mini Mercury.

The Mini Mercury Choir saw young people participate in a series of workshops before performing Sam Fender’s People Watching at St James’ Park, the Mercury Fringe event at Tyneside Cinema and Newcastle Central Station, as the LNER Mercury Express arrived in the city carrying judges, artists and industry figures.

Overall, the Mercury Prize reached an estimated global audience of 1.6 billion through broadcast, digital and social media coverage. 

Dr Jo Twist OBE, BPI chief executive and YolanDa Brown OBE DL, artist and BPI chair, jointly added: “This report shows how music’s power to bring people and communities together can also deliver significant economic and cultural benefits. 

“The Mercury Prize 2025, with its engaging fringe activity, was a joyful occasion celebrating brilliant albums by British and Irish artists and embraced by fans and residents to give the city and region a huge boost. 

“Its success points to how future collaborations can be made to work to both showcase powerful human artistry and enable partners to fully realise the benefits of being involved as they look to create a lasting impact.

“We again thank all our valued partners – Newcastle City Council, The North East Combined Authority, Generator, BBC Music, Utilita Arena, Adidas, Greggs, Fenwick, and LNER – who together brought the campaign to life to make last year’s event such a memorable one, and we look forward to building on this impact when we announce our plans for Prize in 2026.” 

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