The Mercury Prize has announced Newcastle Upon Tyne as its host city for 2025, marking the first time the prestigious music awards ceremony will take place outside of London.
The event will be held at the Utilita Arena, Newcastle on 16th October, with the shortlist of twelve 'Albums of the Year' set to be announced on 10th September. The ceremony will feature live performances from many of the shortlisted artists before revealing the overall winner, with BBC Music providing coverage across their platforms.
The move comes as part of a partnership between the BPI, Newcastle City Council, and The North East Combined Authority. Generator, the North's leading music development agency, will coordinate a week-long regional fringe programme ahead of the awards to celebrate Northern talent.
YolanDa Brown OBE DL, BPI Chair, adds: "Since joining the BPI as Chair, I have held an ambition to see the Mercury Prize hosted outside of London, in part to reflect the exciting diverse breadth of human artistry that is thriving all around the country. I feel a special connection with Newcastle-Upon-Tyne and the wonderful music fans there, who I know will be absolutely thrilled that their beloved city will be hosting this premier music awards event for the first time."
Cllr Karen Kilgour, Leader of Newcastle City Council, says: "The fact that Newcastle has been chosen as the first location for the prestigious Mercury Prize to ever be held outside of London speaks volumes of the growing strength of the music industry in the city and wider city region. I am biased of course, but this is the best city in the world and it is no surprise to me that there is global interest in Newcastle."
The Mercury Prize recognises the best new British and Irish music across contemporary genres, with English Teacher claiming the award in 2024.
