The 2026 Mercury Prize at Newcastle's Utilita Arena will feature performances from RAYE, Olivia Dean, JADE, Suede, Pulp and more, organisers have confirmed.
All but two of this year's nominees will take to the stage for the ceremony on Thursday, October 22. Confirmed performers include Dove Ellis, Florence + The Machine, JADE, Knats, Kojey Radical, Nia Archives, Olivia Dean, RAYE, Suede and last year's nominees Pulp, who will perform on behalf of the HELP(2) album.
Return to Tyneside
The event marks the Mercury Prize's second year in Newcastle, following its historic move from London in 2025. Last year, North Shields' Sam Fender won Album of the Year for People Watching, beating Pulp, Fontaines DC and CMAT.
This year's shortlist includes RAYE, Sir Paul McCartney and two North East acts - JADE and Knats. A short film will be shown to celebrate the albums of Dave and Paul McCartney in their absence.
Performances and tickets
Each shortlisted artist will perform one track of their choosing as they compete for Album of the Year, an accolade previously won by M People, Dizzee Rascal, Elbow, Arctic Monkeys, Little Simz and Wolf Alice.
Tickets are still available from AXS, priced from £48.
Mercury Prize Fringe
The 2026 Mercury Prize Fringe also returns to Newcastle next month, with its biggest programme yet, bringing more than 30 events to venues across the city from October 15-22.
The week-long Fringe will feature live performances, listening parties, screenings, workshops, talks and one-off events, bringing together artists, music fans and the wider industry.
