THIS CITY SINGS

A Region-Wide Celebration
of Music & Culture 

20+ Events
7 Local Authorities

Get ready to be immersed in the Mercury Prize Fringe Newcastle – a week-long festival igniting the North East with the very best of Northern creativity.

the Fringe brings a thrilling line-up of live showcases, artist collaborations, workshops, masterclasses, in-conversations, and bold community-driven events across the city and beyond.

What's On

  • Lyrics in Music Masterclass with Paul Smith

    Workshop
    Friday 10th October
    Pop Recs

    Previous Mercury Prize shortlisted artist Paul Smith (Maxïmo Park) leads an intimate masterclass on songwriting.

  • The Essentials of Music Management

    Workshop
    Friday 10th October
    Live Theatre

    A workshop exploring the journey from grassroots to international success, encouraging active participation from music managers at every stage of their career.

  • Sunderland Music City Showcase

    Showcase
    Friday 10th October
    Pop Recs

    A showcase celebrating the sounds of Sunderland, featuring: The Last Time, Ruby Kelly, and Patrick Gosling, three artists all at different stages of their journey. A spotlight moment for Sunderland as the Mercury Prize heads North.

  • Newcastle Festival of Jazz & Improvised Music Showcase

    Showcase
    Friday 10th October
    Gosforth Civic Theatre, Newcastle

    A showcase curated by Wesley Stephenson, a triple bill featuring: John Pope Quintet’s genre-shifting sound, Francesca Pidgeon’s solo project Dilettante, and Yotuns, an immersive keys and percussion duo. Three distinct voices shaping the future of jazz and beyond.

  • Nrthrn Baby Showcase

    Showcase
    Friday 10th October
    Pilgrim

    A showcase hosted by Nrthrn Baby. A collaborative performance with SwanNek and some of the North East’s best in Rap and R&B: Reali-T, Dennis, and Jenna Cole who will be performing tracks from their own EPs.

  • Modern Songwriting & Production

    Workshop
    Saturday 11th October
    Mark Hillery Music Studios, Durham

    A one-day deep-dive workshop exploring pop songwriting. From hooks and lyrics through to production, this workshop will include a practical breakout session and a bonus Dolby Atmos segment on immersive sound.

  • An Insight into Developing Visual Narratives with Music Artists

    Workshop
    Saturday 11th October
    Three Tanners Bank

    A workshop hosted by Photographer and Director Will Creswick, sharing his experience of working with artists across the North East and beyond. A session exploring how imagery and storytelling shape an artist’s identity, offering valuable insight for musicians and creatives alike.

  • PRS Foundation 25th Anniversary celebrations: Songwriting masterclass

    Workshop
    Saturday 11th October
    Cobalt Studios

    Over the last 25 years, PRS Foundation has been investing in the future of music and supported numerous music creators that have gone on to be nominated for and win awards – 6 of the last 7 Mercury Prize winners had received grants from PRS Foundation at vital points in their careers.

  • Howay Again

    Showcase
    Saturday 11th October
    Queen’s Hall Arts Centre Library

    A showcase of Howay Again, a four-piece band of lifelong NUFC supporters bringing terrace classics and football chants to the stage. From St James’ Park to the Carabao Cup celebrations, championing the women’s game and inspiring inclusivity in football.

  • Howay the Lasses Workshop

    Workshop
    Saturday 11th October
    Queen’s Hall Arts Centre – Studio

    A workshop with Cathryn and Sophie from Howay Again. Learn how to write your very own terrace chants with the opportunity to perform them on stage alongside the band in a live evening performance.

  • Hapless Museum Worker Showcase

    Showcase
    Saturday 11th October
    Hapless Museum Worker

    A showcase curated by Hapless Museum Worker, an intimate show bringing together three distinct voices from the North. Featuring Milky Wimpshake, Pauline Murray, and Trev Gibb.

  • F54 Showcase

    Showcase
    Saturday 11th October
    Three Tanners Bank

    A showcase curated by f54, bringing together three incredible artists: Imogen and the Knife, Theo Bleak, and Errant Moose. Expect fresh sounds and distinctive voices from rising talent.

  • A Coastal smile Project

    Closed Workshop
    Sunday 12th October
    Customs House

    A closed workshop for neurodivergent learners from Autism Able and Northumberland YMCA, exploring drones, electronics, and songwriting. Followed by an evening performance featuring the pieces created that day. (Not open to the public).

  • The Coastal Smile

    Showcase
    Sunday 12th October
    Customs House

    An evening performance celebrating creativity and collaboration. Fresh from the day’s workshops, neurodivergent learners will present original music exploring life in the North East, followed by a headline set from Ian Black and The Fortunate Nudes (featuring members of Slug and Field Music).

  • Wandering Oak Showcase

    Showcase
    Sunday 12th October
    Cumberland Arms

    A showcase curated by Wandering Oak, featuring performances from Melanie Baker, Oko Oko and Jenni Mac. An intimate evening of distinctive songwriting and emerging Northern voices.

  • MPG Listen and Link

    Workshop
    Monday 13th October
    Blast Recording

    A session featuring two top producers breaking down their tracks, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and insights into their creative and technical processes that brings the music to life. An opportunity to play tracks, get feedback, and take part in an open discussion.

  • World HQ Cultivates presents: Album Production Masterclass with Nectax

    Workshop
    Monday 13th October
    World Headquarters

    A production masterclass exploring Nectax’s journey as a producer from grassroots beginnings to album release, with production tips, a live demo, and a Q&A session.

  • Tim’s Listening Party with Lanterns on the Lake

    Listening Party
    Monday 13th October
    The Glasshouse

    A listening party hosted by Tim Burgess, a live playback and in-conversation with Lanterns on the Lake, revisiting their critically acclaimed Mercury Prize shortlisted album Spook the Herd.

  • Generator Live Conference

    Conference
    Tuesday 14th October
    Civic Centre

    A full day conference of panels, conversations, and behind-the-scenes insight from the artists and industry leaders shaping what’s next. Featuring brilliant speakers, special guests, and plenty of chances to connect. Whether you’re making music, building a career, or just getting started, this is where you need to be.

  • BBC Introducing from The Glasshouse: Generator x Mercury Prize Fringe Special

    Showcase
    Tuesday 14th October
    The Glasshouse

    An evening presented by BBC Introducing from The Glasshouse. A Mercury Prize Fringe edition of BBC Introducing from The Glasshouse featuring ERNIE, Nadedja, and Isabel Maria. An opportunity to discover your next favourite artist.

  • Art of the Album Day

    Conference
    Wednesday 15th October
    The Common Room

    A full day event taking a deep dive into the creative and practical steps behind making and releasing a record. Featuring panels, in-conversations, workshops and masterclasses, exploring every stage from songwriting and production to marketing and release strategy.

  • A Stone’s Throw & Notion Live Events Showcas

    Showcase
    Wednesday 15th October
    The Grove

    A showcase presented by the teams behind A Stone’s Throw Festival and Shin Gigs. A night of new Northern sounds featuring headliner Adult DVD, with support from Finn Forster, and Rye, spotlighting the region’s next big names.

and more to come...

This is a celebration of the North’s diverse sonic landscape – spotlighting emerging talent and established voices alike – building momentum as the city pulses towards the big night.

20+ events 7 stages across the North: Northumberland, North Tyneside, Newcastle upon Tyne, South Tyneside, Gateshead, Sunderland, Durham

FAQs

  • What is the Mercury Fringe?

    The Mercury Fringe is a week-long celebration of music, creativity and community across the North East, running alongside the Mercury Prize. It features showcases, workshops, listening parties and more, all highlighting the incredible talent and culture of our region.

  • When is it happening?

    Thursday 9th to Thursday 16th October 2025. Events will take place every day leading up to the Mercury Prize Awards Night on Thursday 16th October at Utilita Arena Newcastle.

  • Where are events taking place?

    Across all seven North East local authorities: Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, Durham, Northumberland, North Tyneside and South Tyneside.

  • Do I need tickets?

    Yes, all events are ticketed and free. Each event listing on our website links directly to ticket information.

  • Who is performing?

    The Fringe brings together emerging and established talent from across the North. Expect everything from grassroots showcases and jazz collectives to BBC Introducing nights and headline gigs curated by top local promoters.

  • Can anyone attend the workshops?

    Yes, unless marked as ring-fenced (for schools or specific groups). Workshops are open to artists, managers and music lovers at all levels, from beginners to professionals.

  • How does the Mercury Prize connect to the Fringe?

    The Fringe is the official build-up to the Mercury Prize Awards. It is about putting Northern talent centre stage and giving local communities a chance to be part of this national cultural moment.

  • Why is the Mercury Prize in Newcastle this year?

    2025 marks the first time the Mercury Prize has moved outside London. Bringing it to Newcastle shines a national spotlight on the North East’s vibrant music scene and creative communities.

  • How can I get involved?
    • Attend events across the region
    • Share your experiences online using #MercuryFringenewcastle
    • Keep an eye on our socials for pop-up moments and fan zones
  • What about accessibility?

    We want the Mercury Fringe to be welcoming and inclusive. Each venue has its own access provisions, which you can check when booking tickets. If you have specific access requirements or need additional support, please email us and our team will be happy to help.

  • Generator Live Conference

    Conference
    Tuesday 14th October
    Civic Centre

    A full day conference of panels, conversations, and behind-the-scenes insight from the artists and industry leaders shaping what’s next. Featuring brilliant speakers, special guests, and plenty of chances to connect. Whether you’re making music, building a career, or just getting started, this is where you need to be.

  • Art of the Album Day

    Conference
    Wednesday 15th October
    The Common Room

    A full day event taking a deep dive into the creative and practical steps behind making and releasing a record. Featuring panels, in-conversations, workshops and masterclasses, exploring every stage from songwriting and production to marketing and release strategy.

  • World HQ Cultivates presents: Album Production Masterclass with Nectax

    Workshop
    Monday 13th October
    World Headquarters

    A production masterclass exploring Nectax’s journey as a producer from grassroots beginnings to album release, with production tips, a live demo, and a Q&A session.

  • Tim’s Listening Party with Lanterns on the Lake

    Listening Party
    Monday 13th October
    The Glasshouse

    A listening party hosted by Tim Burgess, a live playback and in-conversation with Lanterns on the Lake, revisiting their critically acclaimed Mercury Prize shortlisted album Spook the Herd.