The Mercury Prize has locked in its 2026 shortlist and ceremony dates
The 2026 shortlist announcement and awards show dates have been confirmed.
The Mercury Prize are heading back to Newcastle for a second year running, with the 2026 awards show set to take place at the Utilita Arena on 22nd October. Ahead of that, the shortlist for the '12 Albums of the Year' will be announced on 30th July.
Following a partnership with Newcastle City Council and music organisation Generator, the North East city will once again play host to the ceremony after becoming the first location outside London to stage the event in 2025. That year's fringe programme brought an additional 8,000 visitors to the region through a week of talks and events running alongside the main show.
On the night itself, live performances from a number of the twelve shortlisted acts will precede the announcement of an overall winner. BBC Music, the Prize's broadcast partner, will cover proceedings.
An independent judging panel of music industry professionals selects the shortlist annually, recognising outstanding new albums from British and Irish artists spanning a wide range of genres. Previous winners of the Prize include Sam Fender, who took home the award in Newcastle last year in front of a sold-out crowd, as well as English Teacher, Ezra Collective, Little Simz, Dave, Wolf Alice and Young Fathers.
Following a partnership with Newcastle City Council and music organisation Generator, the North East city will once again play host to the ceremony after becoming the first location outside London to stage the event in 2025. That year's fringe programme brought an additional 8,000 visitors to the region through a week of talks and events running alongside the main show.
On the night itself, live performances from a number of the twelve shortlisted acts will precede the announcement of an overall winner. BBC Music, the Prize's broadcast partner, will cover proceedings.
An independent judging panel of music industry professionals selects the shortlist annually, recognising outstanding new albums from British and Irish artists spanning a wide range of genres. Previous winners of the Prize include Sam Fender, who took home the award in Newcastle last year in front of a sold-out crowd, as well as English Teacher, Ezra Collective, Little Simz, Dave, Wolf Alice and Young Fathers.
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