Zerox Showcase - 2026 Mercury Prize Fringe

Esau, Cortney Dixon and LJ Adams share a bill at Neville Hall on Sunday 18 October, as part of the Zerox Showcase. It's a night that puts three emerging North East acts on one stage, and it sits within the 2026 Mercury Prize Fringe, a week-long celebration of the region's new musical talent that runs from 15 to 22 October.

Across that week, the Fringe takes in more than 30 events — gigs, workshops, discussions, masterclasses and creative experiences — spread across some of Newcastle's most iconic venues. Most of them are free, and the whole thing runs ahead of the 2026 Mercury Prize ceremony at Utilita Arena on 22 October. The Fringe is powered by Generator, the North's leading music development organisation, which has worked since 1991 to develop artists, strengthen music businesses and create routes into the industry through mentoring, programmes, showcases, partnerships and major events, with offices in Newcastle and Tees Valley.

On the night, the showcase features Esau, Cortney Dixon and LJ Adams, with The Safest Place and Chintzy Stetson also listed on the bill. It's one of the many gigs that make up the Fringe's programme, and like most of the week's events, it's free to attend.

Neville Hall is on Westgate Road, NE1 1SE. The showcase runs from 7:00pm to 11:00pm, and entry is free.