Mercury Prize 2022: What is the ceremony's new date and who is performing and how can I watch?

On the evening of Thursday, September 8 an announcement was made to the world with news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Since then, various events have been postponed, including the National Television Awards and football fixtures across the entirety of the English game.

However, one of the first cancellations which needed to be made came from the organisers of the Mercury Prize, an award recognising the best British album of the last year which was set to have a full ceremony on Thursday evening. Coverage was set to be broadcast on BBC Four and BBC Radio 6 Music.

In a statement released less than two hours before the ceremony was scheduled to start, organisers said: “Tonight’s Mercury Prize event has been postponed at this time of great national sorrow. We know everyone involved in the Mercury Prize will understand. Our thoughts and condolences are with The Royal Family at this very difficult time.

The award, which is well known for celebrating the best of UK music has a shortlist which includes Harry Styles, Self Esteem, Wet Leg and North Shields’ Sam Fender, who is nominated for his second studio album Seventeen Going Under.

Following the announcement of the postponement, nominated artist Self Esteem fought to ensure cooked food for the event was donated to homeless groups in London.

The award has previously been won by the likes of Primal Scream, Pulp, Dizzee Rascal, Arctic Monkeys and Dave, with the current holder of the award being Arlo Parks.

Has a rescheduled date for the Mercury Prize been announced?

On Friday, September 23 the team behind the prize announced the rescheduled date for the show.

How can I watch the Mercury Prize on TV?

It will be on Tuesday, October 18 and will be available to watch live on BBC Four and iPlayer from 9pm on the night.

Who is the favourite to win the Mercury Prize?

Self Esteem and her album Prioritise Pleasure was the favourite to win the award before the postponement, although Little Simz is now the favourite with her album Sometimes I May Be Introvert at the time of writing.

Who will be performing at the 2022 Mercury Prize ceremony?

The full performing line up was announced on the morning of Thursday, October 13 with Sam Fender representing the North East on the night. It is not yet known which song each act will perform.

The only act to not play live is Harry Styles, who will be starting his tour of the USA on the night of the ceremony. While the former One Direction star is in Chicago and getting ready for the opening night of the tour, the ceremony will see a pre recorded performance of one his the songs from his nominated album Harry’s House.

The full list of acts performing is:

Fergus McCreadie

Gwenno

Jessie Buckley and Bernard Butler

Joy Crookes

Kojey Radical

Little Simz

Nova Twins

Sam Fender

Self Esteem

Wet Leg

Yard Act