Acoustic sets from emerging North East artists across the day for the Mercury Prize Fringe.
Grainger Market Unplugged returns to the Grainger Market on Saturday 17 October, with acoustic sets from emerging North East artists running across the day. It's part of the 2026 Mercury Prize Fringe, a week-long programme of more than 30 events across Newcastle from 15 to 22 October that spotlights the region's emerging musical talent with gigs, workshops, discussions, masterclasses and creative experiences in some of the city's most iconic venues. The Fringe is powered by Generator, the North's leading music development organisation, and culminates in the Mercury Prize itself at Utilita Arena on 22 October.
The prize is moving beyond London for the second year running, following local hero Sam Fender's win in 2025. This year's shortlist of 12 'Albums of the Year' was chosen by an independent judging team chaired by Jeff Smith, with Radio 1 DJ Maia Beth returning to host artist interviews and red-carpet coverage.
The day at the market is programmed by The Support Act (Neave Farry) and supported by Creative Central NCL. The line-up features FAWNS, Sam Bennett, Hels Pattison, Josh Webb, Polyvinyl and Bear Park, all playing acoustic sets throughout the day. There's a pay bar open, so you can grab a drink and drift in and out as the different acts take their turn.
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It's free and no tickets are needed, so you can just turn up whenever suits you. The market is on Grainger Street, NE1 5AE, and the music runs all day Saturday, 17 October.
