15th - 22nd October
Mercury Prize 2026
Following its biggest year yet in 2025, the Mercury Prize returns to Newcastle as the host city for 2026, in partnership with Newcastle City Council. The 2026 Awards Show will be held on Thursday 22nd October at the Utilita Arena, Newcastle and will feature live performances from many of the 12 ‘Albums of the Year’ artists, culminating in the announcement of the overall winner of the 2026 Mercury Prize.
The Mercury Prize Fringe is a city-wide celebration of music and culture, taking place across Newcastle from 15-22 October and building towards the Mercury Prize Awards at Utilita Arena Newcastle on Thursday 22 October. The Mercury Prize Fringe hosts gigs, workshops, discussions, masterclasses and creative experiences across Newcastle’s most iconic venues and spaces. The programme celebrates the region’s venues and creative spaces, alongside a diverse line-up of emerging artists and established voices from across the UK, putting Newcastle at the centre of this year’s Mercury Prize Awards.
There's plenty to see across the city, you can view the full programme here.