2026 Mercury Prize to return to Newcastle

The Mercury Prize is set to return to Newcastle in 2026.

The 2026 Awards Show will take place at the Utilita Arena on Thursday, October 22, in partnership with Newcastle City Council. 

The evening will feature live performances from many of the 12 shortlisted artists before the overall winner is announced, with BBC Music providing broadcast coverage.

Celebrating the best new British and Irish albums, the shortlist is selected by an independent panel of music industry professionals, with the award helping launch the careers of numerous acclaimed artists over the years.

The Prize’s return follows a landmark year in 2025, when the ceremony was staged outside London for the first time. 

Newcastle hosted the main event alongside a week-long fringe programme of talks and cultural activity, drawing thousands of additional visitors to the city and wider region.

Last year’s show saw local favourite Sam Fender take home the top award in front of a sold-out crowd at Utilita Arena Newcastle, joining a recent roll call of winners including Little Simz, Dave, Wolf Alice and Ezra Collective.

Organisers say the decision to bring the event back reflects Newcastle’s growing reputation as a cultural powerhouse, supported by collaboration between the BPI, the city council and regional music agency Generator.

Mick Ross, chief executive at Generator, said: “The return of the Mercury Prize to Newcastle confirms that last year wasn’t a one-off – it was a shift in the centre of gravity of British music.

“When Mercury left London, it proved the North has the talent, infrastructure and ambition to lead at the highest level. 

“The BRITs in Manchester followed. 

“The momentum is real. 

“For more than 35 years, Generator has championed Northern talent, lobbied for investment and built the partnerships that moments like this depend on. 

“Through Generator's Mercury Fringe programme, we turned a global awards show into a region-wide platform - creating real opportunities and lasting impact.

“This year, we’re going further – expanding access, opening more pathways and ensuring Northern artists don’t just take part, but set the agenda.”

The 2025 Mercury Prize week generated an estimated spend of £874,724, contributed more than £552,000 in GVA and supported the equivalent of 13 jobs. 

It also provided work experience opportunities for local people and introduced dozens of children to music through the Mini Mercurys programme.

Councillor Karen Kilgour, leader of Newcastle City Council, added: “The return of the Mercury Prize to Newcastle for a second consecutive year is a tremendous vote of confidence in our city and our thriving music scene. 

“Newcastle is at the heart of a bold cultural resurgence, and hosting this prestigious national event once again underlines both the strength of our music industry and the growing national recognition of our cultural ambitions. 

“It’s a powerful endorsement of the talent, creativity and momentum that define our city.

“Last year, we showcased exactly what Newcastle can deliver on a major stage, and we’ve continued to build on that momentum. 

“This follows Warner Music’s recent announcement of a three-year partnership with Generator, which will create even more long-term opportunities. It also supports our plans to establish Newcastle and Gateshead as a recognised Music City.

“And with more significant events in the pipeline including a firm commitment to build our own programme, Newcastle will soon be seen as one of the UK’s key cultural hubs.

“While many cities are celebrated for their musical past, Newcastle is shaping its musical future.

“The return of the Mercury Prize reinforces our reputation as a driving force for emerging talent, industry investment and world-class events – and we are incredibly proud to welcome it back.”

Dr Jo Twist, chief executive of the BPI, and YolanDa Brown, artist and chair of the BPI, jointly said: “Last year’s Mercury Prize and its brilliant performances and Fringe gave the region a £1.4 million economic and cultural boost and the whole of Newcastle came together to give the event a warm, big Geordie hug. 

“We are delighted to see the Prize return to the Toon and to the North East for what we know will be another memorable occasion for artists and fans. 

“We thank Newcastle City Council and all our valued partners for their continued collaboration and commitment, and we can’t wait for what is already shaping up to be another fantastic year of British and Irish music.”

With its return in 2026, Newcastle is preparing once again to take centre stage in the UK music calendar.

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