The 2026 Mercury Prize ceremony will be held at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle on Thursday night, with all tickets already sold out. The event, one of the biggest nights of the year for the British music industry, will be televised for those watching from home.
A Night of Music History in Newcastle
The Mercury Prize has been running since 1992, with Primal Scream the first recipients 34 years ago. Other early winners included Suede, M People and Pulp, while later winners have ranged from Arctic Monkeys to Dizzee Rascal and Elbow to James Blake.
Last year, the award was given to the North East's own Sam Fender, as his third number 1 album saw off competition from the likes of CMAT, Fontaines DC and FKA Twigs to triumph.
Nominees and Odds
This year's shortlist includes Olivia Dean and Nia Archives, who are now neck and neck in the odds, with bookies also favouring acts like RAYE and Dove Ellis. There could be another win for the region, as JADE and Knats are also in the running.
Other acts vying for victory include Brit winner Dave, former winners Suede with their new album Antidepressants, Florence and the Machine and Beatles icon Sir Paul McCartney, who is currently the outsider with bookies.
How to Watch the Ceremony
A packed audience of industry professionals, fellow musicians and legions of fans will descend on the Utilita Arena on Thursday for the star-studded event. For those without a ticket, the ceremony will be broadcast live on BBC Four and the BBC iPlayer from 9.30pm on Thursday, October 22. It can also be listened to live on BBC Radio 6 Music.
