Mercury Prize announcement confirms Newcastle return for 2026
The Mercury Prize is set to return to Newcastle for another year.
Tyneside local Sam Fender won the prize last year in the first instance of the ceremony taking place outside of London, and how it is remaining in the North East.
It marked the end of a huge year of music for Newcastle, which also hosted the MOBO Awards earlier in 2025.
The Prize heading to the region last year saw a series of fringe events take place across the wider North East as well as the ceremony itself, which saw performances from the likes of Pulp, FKA Twigs and eventual winner Sam Fender.
The 2026 Mercury Prize ceremony will take place on Thursday, October 22.
A statement posted to social media from Newcastle City Council reads: “We are absolutely delighted to announce that the Mercury Prize will return to Newcastle in 2026 in a huge show of confidence in our city.
“Last year the Prize left London for the first time ever and thousands turned out at the Utilita Arena Newcastle to watch local hero Sam Fender take home the top gong.
“But it was more than just one night, a series of Fringe events commissioned by the city council ensured the ripple effect of the night was felt across the region.
“And now, we have been working hard behind the scenes to secure the Mercury Prize for 2026. We showed that Newcastle knows how to host a party and IT'S. COMING. BACK.”
The statement continues: “Our leader, Cllr Karen Kilgour, today said: ‘While many cities are celebrated for their musical past, Newcastle is shaping its musical future. The return of the Mercury Prize reinforces our reputation as a driving force for emerging talent, industry investment and world-class events — and we are incredibly proud to welcome it back.’
“On October 22nd the Mercury Prize will return to the Utilita Arena as 12 albums battle it out to take home the top prize. Ticket details will be released soon.
It is estimated the 2025 ceremony and fringe events generated £1.4m for the local economy while 8,500 people attended fringe events across the region.
This marks a huge year for the arts on Tyneside, with North Tyneside Council announcing North Shields will be in the running for the UK’s first ever Town Of Culture.