The 2026 Mercury Prize awards ceremony held at the Utilita Arena, featuring performances by shortlisted artists and the announcement of the Album of the Year winner.
The Mercury Prize returns to the Utilita Arena on Thursday 22 October, with the winner revealed live on stage. It's the second year running the prize has come back to Newcastle, in partnership with Newcastle City Council, following what organisers called its biggest year yet in 2025. The whole thing is broadcast on BBC Four and BBC Radio 6 Music, so if you can't make it in person, you can still follow it from home.
The prize celebrates the best of British and Irish music by naming twelve 'Albums of the Year', recognising artistic achievement across a wide range of contemporary genres. The shortlist was announced by Jamz Supernova, and the night itself is hosted by Lauren Laverne, with performances from the shortlisted artists. This year's twelve albums 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; and War Child Records, HELP(2).
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It's a broad spread, from the established names like Paul McCartney and Suede to the newer voices. The prize has a threefold aim: to reward artistic achievement, to provide a snapshot of the year in music, and to introduce new albums to a wider audience. The awards show is just one part of the week, which grows into a wider Mercury Prize Fringe of more than 30 events across the city spotlighting the region's best emerging talent.
The main event starts at 8:00 PM at the Utilita Arena on Arena Way, with tickets ranging from £48.75 to £60.25.
