Everything You Need to Know About: The 2026 Mercury Prize
Planning on attending the Mercury Prize award show in Newcastle? Read our guide first!
Did you hear the news? The Mercury Prize award show is happening outside the Big Smoke for another year running, and it’s back in Newcastle!
With tickets now available, that means you could be witnessing some of the biggest and brightest new talents in Britain and Ireland’s music scene and find out the 2026 winner of the prize – all in the flesh!
Ahead of the award show in October, we’ve got all the info you need to make the most of the Mercury Prize’s return to the Toon.
What is the Mercury Prize?
It’s an annual music prize that recognizes the best new British and Irish music of the year.
Held since 1992, the Prize celebrates the cream of the crop across a diverse range of contemporary music genres – specifically the album format – and is awarded to a musical act whose album is deemed the best by panel of independent judges.
Where is the award show taking place this year?
It’s being held at Newcastle’s very own Utilita Arena – and it’s a pretty big deal as its debut in Newcastle last year marked the first time that the Mercury Prize awards show has been held outside of London in its 32-year history, and its return means a lot for the region's music scene.
The awards show is being brought to the city thanks to a collaboration between Mercury Prize organisers the BPI, Newcastle City Council and local music development agency Generator and is a landmark moment for Newcastle’s music sector, joining other recent high-profile events like the 2025 MOBO Awards.
Which artists and albums were shortlisted for the Mercury Prize this year?
Every year, a total of twelve albums are shortlisted and this year there are some top-class acts in the running including Olivia Dean, Florence & The Machine, Paul McCartney and our very own contemporary jazz group Knats! Check out the full shortlist below.
- Dave ‘The Boy Who Played the Harp’
- Dove Ellis ‘Blizzard’
- Florence + The Machine ‘Everybody Scream’
- JADE ‘THAT’S SHOWBIZ BABY!’
- Knats ‘A Great Day In Newcastle’
- Kojey Radical ‘Don't Look Down’
- Nia Archives ‘Emotional Junglist’
- Olivia Dean ‘The Art of Loving’
- Paul McCartney ‘The Boys of Dungeon Lane’
- RAYE ‘THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE.’
- Suede ‘Antidepressants’
- War Child Records ‘HELP(2)’
When is the awards show happening?
It’s happening on Thursday 22nd October 2026 – keep an eye out for updates on who’ll be hosting!
How much are tickets and how do I book?
Tickets start from £48.75 plus booking fee and are selling fast – get yours booked sharpish via the AXS website so you don’t miss out!
However, when booking, please note that the show is for over 13s only and standing ticket holders must be aged 14+.
What’s happening during the awards show?
The show will feature live performances from many of the twelve artists shortlisted for the Mercury Prize and end with the announcement of the overall winner for 2026.
The 2026 Mercury Prize is sure to be another musically monumental moments in Newcastle, and its return to the Toon is proof that our city’s music scene is ever on the rise. Make sure you don’t miss out on this landmark moment in Newcastle by finding out more at the Mercury Prize website and getting your tickets booked at AXS
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Featured image: KNATS
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