Polyvinyl

Polyvinyl play at Grainger Market on Saturday 17 October, as part of the Mercury Prize Fringe. They're a six-piece alternative act from Newcastle, fronted by vocalist Annabelle, and they describe their sound as combining the shimmering indie-pop hooks of Alvvays with the grit of Wolf Alice and The Cranberries. Their set runs for about half an hour, starting at 3pm.

They've been building a fair bit of momentum lately. They recorded their second concept EP, Where This Ends, which is about overcoming trauma, with producer Lisa Murphy, and paired it with a self-directed short film shot by the band's bassist, John. On the live side, they've headlined the Roots Stage at Kendal Calling, won an Amazing Radio Takeover, and landed a publishing deal from Wipe Out Music.

The set is part of Grainger Market Unplugged, which fills the market with acoustic performances from emerging North East artists throughout the day. Polyvinyl take the 3pm slot, and if you're around for more, there are sets every hour from 11am to 4pm: FAWNS at 11am, Sam Bennett at noon, Hels Pattison at 1pm, Josh Webb at 2pm, and Bear Park at 4pm. The whole day is curated by Neave Farry of The Support Act and organised by Creative Central NCL on behalf of Newcastle City Council.

It's all part of the 2026 Mercury Prize Fringe, which runs from 15 to 22 October and stages more than 30 events across the city in the run-up to the Mercury Prize at Utilita Arena on the 22nd. The Grainger Market performances are free and unticketed, so you can just turn up. Polyvinyl start at 3pm in the Grainger Market arcade.