(Image: Adam Kennedy)
Big names are set to take the stage as the Mercury Prize returns to Newcastle this autumn.
The 2026 awards ceremony will be held at the Utilita Arena on Thursday, October 22, marking the second consecutive year the event has taken place in the city after moving from London in 2025.
Confirmed performers include RAYE, Suede, Dove Ellis, Florence + The Machine, Olivia Dean, Kojey Radical, Nia Archives, and North East acts JADE and Knats.
Also performing will be last year’s nominees Pulp, who will take the stage in support of the HELP(2) album.
Each shortlisted artist will perform one track during the ceremony as they compete for the Album of the Year title.
The Mercury Prize has previously been awarded to artists such as M People, Dizzee Rascal, Elbow, Arctic Monkeys, Little Simz, and Wolf Alice.
Excitement has been building in the North East since the Mercury Prize relocated from its long-time London home to Newcastle.
The 2025 ceremony was a standout moment for the region when North Shields’ own Sam Fender took home the award.
Following the success of last year’s event, organisers confirmed a return to Tyneside for 2026, with a shortlist featuring Where Is My Husband star RAYE, music legend Sir Paul McCartney, and North East contenders JADE and Knats.
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Tickets remain on sale through AXS, starting at £48.
The Mercury Prize Fringe will also return to Newcastle with its biggest programme yet, running from October 15 to 22 and featuring more than 30 events across the city.
The Fringe will include performances, listening sessions, film screenings, workshops, talks, and other events designed to engage music fans, artists, and industry professionals alike.