The Mercury Prize Returns to Newcastle
Last year local lad Sam Fender won the Mercury Prize right here in Newcastle in an event that was so successful, it's returning
This October, the Mercury Prize will once again be hosted at Utilita Arena, Newcastle. South Shields star Jade and Newcastle quintet Knats are shortlisted, alongside big names including Paul McCartney and Olivia Dean.
Last year a programme of fringe events took place in celebration, and these will return this year too, something David Haley, chairman of Newcastle-based music development agency Generator, is passionate about. ‘It's fantastic that it's come back,’ he says. ‘I mean we kind of knew it would, because we deserved it after what we did to take it from a very special venue in London (where it’s always been) to bring it to Newcastle and have a crowd of 8,000 people love the night, but also have it in the middle of a very important fringe event – that was really important. I think the BPI [British Phonographic Industry] and the music industry as a whole could see that it actually wasn't just about the awards night itself, and to have so many artists play was fantastic. We’ve got so much to talk about that it felt like it should come back for us to continue that conversation.’
It’s something David feels will inspire local artists. ‘If you want to have a career in the music industry (which of course isn't just about the artist, it's about sound, lighting, production and crew), then the days of having to leave the region to go and find that elsewhere are gone,’ he adds. ‘In fact, they recognise the scale of the talent and the breadth of talent that we have here.’
The award honours the best album of the year by a British or Irish artist. ‘It's about the recognition of a body of work,’ says David. ‘Highlighting the success of an album, and appreciating the work of an album, is so important. I think when you look at last year from Pulp to Sam – who knows who's playing this year – what we will see this year is a very different show. From hosting last year, we've learned a lot about what worked and what didn't quite work so we're able to make those changes. It's very much city-focused this year, but we'll make sure the whole region benefits from being involved in what’s happening in the city.’
MOBO winner YolandDa Brown, who chairs Mercury Prize organiser the BPI, agrees that this year, Newcastle can build on last year’s success. ‘It doesn't make sense just to keep moving around – let’s build what we've established,’ she says. ‘Everyone knows what's in store now and the fringe activities are so much more engaging, the awards is going to be even more electric, and it was fantastic last year, so I can't wait!
‘It’s about the legacy. It’s all well and good celebrating today, which we will do in style at the arena, but what about the next generation? What about our young musicians? What about those who just want to listen and engage? We need to make sure that they are catered for as well and everything that I hear from people that engaged with those activities, can't believe it's in Newcastle. But it should be here! It's wonderful to hear up-and-coming artists linking with industry and having those great conversations, it really means a lot. We need to engage with everybody. There's a lot of investment happening in the North East, as it should. People used to feel that they had to leave the North to find success so to know that you can actually be established where you are based, where you're born and bred, and be proud of it and shout it from the rooftops, not just regionally but globally, is the best thing. So I'm glad that the industry has recognised that.’
YolandDa says this year’s shortlist represents everything the Mercury Prize is about. ‘It's multi-genre, multi-generational, and I think it just goes to show how important UK music is,’ she says. ‘But there’s some heavy hitters in there as well from Paul McCartney to Raye and Knats! I'm really proud of each and every one of them and all of the albums are worth a listen.’
Councillor Colin Ferguson, leader of Newcastle City Council, says the award’s return to the city is a huge endorsement of the music scene here in the North East. ‘We couldn't be happier that the Mercury Prize is starting to feel like it’s at home up here, and long may it continue,’ he says. ‘People need to feel like they're surrounded by likeminded individuals who are trying to do similar things where there’s that shared support that means that you can make a career in that space. You can see now that there is that ecosystem, there is that culture, that we are building our reputation. That’s incredibly important because we tell our stories through music, we learn so much about ourselves through music, and when you can do that where you live, surrounded by your friends and family, isn’t that much more powerful? I think so.’
This year Fenwick Newcastle will once again be partnering with the Mercury Prize. Director Kieran McBride agrees that it’s a huge accolade for the city and the region. ‘I know from my conversations that the Mercury Prize was made to feel really welcome and a part of the region and I think we have to take that with us and make sure that we continue to extend that real northern welcome,’ he says. ‘A key part of this is around the fringe events and that real support of new emerging talent. I think that, as a region, we can really showcase those individuals, so that they become the talent of next year. That is really special.’
The 2026 Mercury Prize ‘Albums of the Year’ nominees 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
Various Artists, War Child – Help (2)
