The Mercury Prize 2026 shortlist was announced in Newcastle on Thursday, with two North East acts – pop star JADE and jazz fusion band Knats – among the 12 nominees. The event at Fenwick marked the countdown to the awards ceremony, which returns to Utilita Arena on October 22.
Shortlist and Ceremony Details
JADE’s album THAT’S SHOWBIZ BABY and Knats’ A Great Day In Newcastle earned nominations alongside artists including Paul McCartney, Olivia Dean, Dave, Florence + The Machine, RAYE, and Suede. The shortlist also features Dove Ellis, Kojey Radical, Nia Archives, and a War Child Records compilation.
The ceremony will be hosted at Utilita Arena for the second consecutive year, following Sam Fender’s 2025 win. Fenwick again partnered with the event, transforming its former Greggs pub space into a Mercury Prize fanzone.
Speeches and Fringe Events
Speakers included Fenwick director Kieran McBride, Newcastle City Council leader Colin Ferguson, Generator chairman David Haley, and BPI chair YolanDa Brown, who noted the city’s musical heritage. David Haley highlighted the partnership approach: “The talent, the ambition, the creativity is here.” Coun Ferguson called the shortlist inclusion of local acts a “tremendous achievement” and said the event “will once again put Newcastle on a national stage.”
Fringe events are planned to fill the city with live music, showcasing the North East’s music ecosystem. A performance by North Shields singer-songwriter Heidi Curtis opened the gathering.
