Lauren Laverne to host 2026 Mercury Prize event

A flagship music award show has unveiled its host for this year’s event.

Lauren Laverne is set to front the 2026 Mercury Prize.

The North East native and 6 Music presenter will lead the show at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on Thursday, October 22, where the latest winner of the revered title will be revealed.

The event will mark an immediate return to Tyneside for the headline music spectacular after singer-songwriter Sam Fender won the 2025 Mercury Prize in his home city.

Bosses say the 2026 show will feature live performances from artists including Dove Ellis, Florence + The Machine, JADE, Knats, Olivia Dean and RAYE.

They add the 2026 Mercury Prize Fringe, led by Generator, will bring a host of activities to Newcastle throughout the week, with partners and organisations celebrating this year’s shortlisted artists and the wider music community.

Students from Newcastle College’s Mandela Collective have also designed and co-created official Mercury Prize pin badges to be gifted to shortlisted artists, while Newcastle artist Sam Wood will celebrate the 2026 albums of the year through a series of unique gallery scenes.

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)

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