Mercury Prize 2026 scheduled for Newcastle with tickets now on sale

The 2026 Mercury Prize will be held at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on 22 October 2026. The shortlist announcement and the judging panel were revealed on 27 July, with judges including music writer Sophie Williams, critic Will Hodgkinson, broadcaster Danielle Perry and Radio 2 presenter Jamie Cullum. Tickets went on sale at 10 am on Ticketmaster and AXS.

Organisers are again partnering with Newcastle City Council, continuing the event’s two‑year stay in the city after the 2025 ceremony drew about 8,000 visitors and generated roughly £875 k of local spending. The announcement also confirmed that the shortlist will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 6 Music and BBC Sounds.

Alongside the prize, promotional material lists performances by artists such as Alestorm, Cristina Hart, House Gospel Choir and Teddy Swims, highlighting the broader musical programme accompanying the award.