Mercury Prize to stay in Newcastle for 2026 ceremony
The Mercury Prize is set to remain in Newcastle for the second consecutive year in 2026.
For the first time in the history of the Mercury Prize, it was held outside London, taking place in October at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle, with hometown hero Sam Fender winning the award for his third album, People Watching.
Now, it has been confirmed that the Mercury Prize will once again return to Newcastle with the ceremony scheduled to take place at the Utilita Arena on October 22nd, 2026.
Karen Kilgour, leader of Newcastle City Council, celebrated the announcement and issued the following statement: “The return of the Mercury Prize to Newcastle for a second consecutive year is a tremendous vote of confidence in our city and our thriving music scene.”
She also proudly stated that Newcastle is currently at “the heart of a bold cultural resurgence” and the return of the Mercury Prize to the region “once again underlines both the strength of our music industry and the growing national recognition of our cultural ambitions”.
Meanwhile, BPI executive board members Dr Jo Twist and YolanDa, proudly stated that the 2025 ceremony gave the region a “cultural and economic boost” of £1.4 million.
The pair added, “We are delighted to see the Prize return to the Toon and to the North East for what we know will be another memorable occasion for artists and fans.”
Award ceremonies being held outside of London are a growing trend in the United Kingdom. For the first time in its history, the Brit Awards will take place away from the capital, with the ceremony scheduled to take place at the Co-op Live in Manchester on February 28th.
After leaving London for Glasgow in 2009, the Mobo Awards have travelled around the UK, taking place in cities including Liverpool, Sheffield, Manchester and Coventry.
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