The Mercury Prize returns to Newcastle's Utilita Arena on Thursday night for the first time since Sam Fender's victory last year, with a capacity crowd expected for the ceremony.
All tickets for the event were sold out within days of the shortlist being revealed at the end of last month, meaning a full house will watch the nominees perform live. The ceremony begins at 8pm, with guests arriving from 6pm and the winner announced around 10pm. BBC Four will broadcast coverage from 9.30pm, with BBC Radio 6 Music also providing live coverage.
This year's shortlist
The 12 albums in contention for Album of the Year include two North East acts: Newcastle jazz trio Knats with 'A Great Day In Newcastle' and Dove Ellis with 'Blizzard'. The full shortlist features Dave, Florence + The Machine, JADE, Kojey Radical, Nia Archives, Olivia Dean, Paul McCartney, RAYE, Suede and War Child Records.
Ten of the 12 nominated acts are scheduled to perform at the arena, with only Sir Paul McCartney and Dave absent. Videos for their albums will be shown instead. Pulp will present the War Child Records compilation 'HELP(2)'.
Betting favourites
Olivia Dean is the 3/1 favourite with her album 'The Art of Loving', according to the latest odds on Wednesday. Nia Archives follows at 4/1, with Dove Ellis third at 11/2. RAYE is priced at 6/1, while Knats are at 9/1.
The event marks the second consecutive year the prize has been held in Newcastle, following Sam Fender's win 12 months ago at the same venue.
