This year’s Mercury Prize Awards is back in Newcastle a year after local hero Sam Fender took the top accolade in his home town
The Mercury Prize Awards heads back to Newcastle tonight for the second year in a row and some of the biggest names in the industry will take to the stage at the Utilita Arena.
After local hero Sam Fender grabbed the gong last year, an artist he broke records with is heavily tipped to take the title this time around. Geordie Sam, who won with his People Watching album a year ago, could watch as Olivia Dean reins in this year’s accolade.
But while she was seemingly running away with it after the nominees were announced, she has been pegged back by Nia Archives. Bookies believe it could be a two-horse race between the artists, but have failed to rule out any of the 12 listed.
The annual Mercury Prize is awarded for the best album released by an act from the UK or Ireland each year. The full list for Albums of the Year for the Mercury Prize 2026 are:
- The Boy Who Played the Harp by Dave
- Blizzard by Dove Ellis
- Everybody Scream by Florence + the Machine
- That’s Showbiz Baby! by JADE
- A Great Day In Newcastle by Knats
- Don’t Look Down by Kojey Radical
- Emotional Junglist by Nia Archives
- The Art of Loving by Olivia Dean
- The Boys of Dungeon Lane by Paul McCartney
- This Music May Contain Hope by RAYE
- Antidepressants by Suede
- HELP(2) by War Child
Ten of the 12 acts will perform on the night, with Dave and Paul McCartney skipping the ceremony due to scheduling conflicts.
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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.
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.
While Sam Fender took the top award last year, past winners include English Teacher, Ezra Collective, Little Simz, Dave, Wolf Alice and Young Fathers.
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.
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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