This year’s Mercury Prize Awards in Newcastle will be hosted by Lauren Laverne as the likes of JADE, RAYE and Olivia Dean battle it out for the coveted award
This year’s Mercury Prize Awards are just around the corner and Lauren Laverne will be on hand to host the proceedings. Heading back to her native north east, the radio host, will take to the stage at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle to present the annual event.
Sharing the news on Instagram, Lauren replied: “HAWAY!!!!” and added praising hands emojis. Fans were loving the decision, with one user branding it “unreal”.
The ceremony, which will be broadcast on BBC Four and BBC Radio 6 Music, will take place on October 22. It will feature live performances from Dove Ellis, Florence + The Machine, JADE, Knats, Kojey Radical, Nia Archives, Olivia Dean, RAYE, Suede and Pulp will perform on behalf of the HELP(2) album.
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The overall winner of the 2026 Mercury Prize will be announced on the night. Last year saw Geordie hero Sam Fender claim the Prize, and other recent past winners include English Teacher, Ezra Collective, Little Simz, Dave, Wolf Alice, Young Fathers, and more.
The Mercury Prize recognises the best new British and Irish music, celebrating artistic achievement across an eclectic range of contemporary music genres. As an independent arts prize, it champions the album format, acts as a snapshot of the year in music and often provides a major platform for up-and-coming artists and their musical work. The Prize has been an important milestone in past winners’ journeys, acting as a stepping stone to wider success in the UK and Ireland as well as internationally.
The 2026 Mercury Prize Fringe will bring a host of activity to Newcastle throughout the week. It will showcase more than just a one-night occasion – and the organisers are promising the ‘”biggest programme yet” for this year’s Fringe. It sees more than 30 events set to head to venues across the city between October 15-22.
Among the highlights will be local hero Sam Fender’s Live at London Stadium film be premiered. The special screening will be accompanied by a panel exploring Fender’s artistic journey, the cultural impact of his music and the creative process behind the film.
Dr Jo Twist OBE, CEO of the BPI, organisers of the Mercury Prize, added: “We’re so delighted to be bringing the Mercury Fringe back to Newcastle in October, with a bigger and bolder programme than ever thanks to our partners at Generator and Newcastle City Council.
“Newcastle is a true music city, and we’re grateful to its incredible music ecosystem for welcoming the Mercury Prize. We know this year’s Fringe will offer the local community an important opportunity to connect, inspire and create a lasting legacy together.”
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