The Mercury Prize is being handed out in Newcastle on Thursday night for the second consecutive year, with Olivia Dean and Nia Archives the joint favourites to take Album of the Year.
The city hosts the prestigious ceremony again after last year's event left London for the first time in its history, arriving in Newcastle to great excitement across Tyneside and the wider region. The success of that event led to Newcastle being chosen to host again in 2026, 12 months after Sam Fender won Album of the Year for People Watching.
Nominees and Favourites
This year's shortlist includes Suede, who first won the accolade in 1993, and Pulp, who are nominated for the new War Child album after being shortlisted last year for their own comeback record. With hours to go before the result, Olivia Dean and Nia Archives are both on odds of 7/2 to take the crown.
Two North East acts are vying to follow in Sam Fender's footsteps, with South Shields singer JADE making the cut alongside Newcastle jazz trio Knats.
Tonight's Ceremony
All but two of this year's nominees are set to take to the stage at the Utilita Arena tonight, promising a memorable evening for ticket holders. The event will be covered with updates, interviews, photos and videos throughout the evening.
