Tyne & Queer Showcase - 2026 Mercury Prize Fringe

Tyne & Queer are putting on a double-headliner showcase at Ouseburn on Tuesday 20 October, with BONG II and THRAA sharing the bill. It's part of the 2026 Mercury Prize Fringe, the week-long programme that runs alongside the Mercury Prize's return to Newcastle this October.

If you haven't heard of the Fringe, it's more than just a few side-shows. From 15 to 22 October, there are over 30 events spread across the city, with live music, screenings, workshops, talks and exclusive experiences celebrating artists, fans and the music industry. This showcase is one of them, so it's a good night to drop into if you're already following the Mercury Prize's week in Newcastle.

As a double-headliner, the bill splits the night between two acts rather than one main name and a few openers. BONG II and THRAA both get their own space on the bill, so you'll get two full sets rather than one long one and a short support. It's a Tyne & Queer production, and the whole thing is hosted in Ouseburn, which puts it right in the heart of the valley's music scene.

It falls on the Tuesday of that Fringe week, so it's a mid-week date rather than a weekend one. If you're planning your week around the Mercury Prize, this is one of the live music nights you can work into it. The showcase runs on 20 October at Ouseburn, with BONG II and THRAA as the two headliners.