Mercury Prize to stay in Newcastle for 2026 ceremony
It will take place on October 22nd.
mercury prize
The Mercury Prize is an annual British and Irish music award presented to the best album released by an artist from the United Kingdom or Ireland.
Established in 1992 as an alternative to commercially focused music awards, the Mercury Prize celebrates artistic achievement across all genres, recognising everything from rock, jazz and folk to hip-hop, electronic music and experimental releases.
Widely regarded as one of the music industry’s most prestigious honours, the prize has helped launch and elevate the careers of artists including Pulp, Portishead, Arctic Monkeys, PJ Harvey, Skepta, Dave, Little Simz and Ezra Collective.
Barry Can’t Swim announces new ‘Late Night Tales’ compilation
‘Chala (My Soul Is On A Loop)’ is out now.
Sam Fender admits he thought CMAT and Fontaines DC deserved Mercury Prize over him
“I think they’re better than ‘People Watching’.”
People Pleasing?: Sam Fender’s ‘Mercury Prize’ win actually felt like a giant leap forwards
The view from the arena.
Sam Fender shares Elton John collaboration ‘Talk to You’ following Mercury Prize victory
His week comes to a celebratory end.
Mercury Prize 2025: Sam Fender confirmed as winner for ‘People Watching’
The ceremony was held at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle.
CMAT credits Beyoncé for her Mercury Prize nomination
“This is a woman who got it really badly in the neck.”
Mercury Prize 2025: Sam Fender, Pulp and Wolf Alice among performers at ceremony
Taking place on October 16th.
Mercury Prize 2025: The full list of nominated albums revealed
Fontaines DC, Sam Fender, and CMAT are among the nominees.
More About mercury prize
The Mercury Prize is an annual music award recognising the best album released by an artist or group from the United Kingdom or Ireland, with the winner selected on artistic merit by an independent judging panel.
PJ Harvey is the only artist to have won the Mercury Prize twice, receiving the award for 'Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea' in 2001 and 'Let England Shake' in 2011.
The Mercury Prize is regarded as one of Britain's most respected music awards because it celebrates artistic excellence rather than commercial success, often highlighting innovative and genre-defying albums from both established and emerging artists.