As an Official Partner of the 2026 Mercury Prize, Freight Island hosts a Mercury Prize edition of Playing Out, giving emerging talent the chance to perform alongside more established names and reach new audiences. Expect live sets and artist conversations spotlighting the artists shaping music in the North right now.
For the Record joins forces with local DJ and producer Edmondson. Expect the usual open-deck format to kick things off, followed by a DJ set from the Lissoms label boss. Lineup: Edmondson
The Globe’s showcase celebrates musical diversity in Newcastle, spotlighting the kind of emerging artists the venue exists to support. Headlined by Sophie Gordon Band’s disco, funk and pop, the lineup also features RYE’s electronic influences, the art student sounds of The Combovers and the folk- punk songwriting of Jade Mia Broadhead. The event closes with a DJ set from Visra. Lineup: Sophie Gordon Band – RYE – The Combovers – Jade Mia Broadhead – DJ Visra
The music video is one of the most influential art forms in contemporary culture, bringing together music, film, design and visual storytelling. Hosted by Music Video Preservation Society founder David Knight, this special event combines a panel discussion and big-screen showcase exploring the creative process behind some of the UK’s most celebrated music videos. Featuring leading directors, commissioners, producers and visual creatives, the programme explores the collaborations and craft behind an artist’s visual identity.
Ancient Infinity Orchestra is a gathering of voices, traditions and energies converging into something timeless. Hailing from Leeds, the 16-member ensemble, led by double bassist and composer Ozzy Moysey, brings together double basses, harp, saxophones, clarinets, strings, woodwind, mandolin, piano and percussion, with bells and shakers ready for members to use whenever the spirit takes them. Their music is a journey inward and outward, always reaching toward the universal. Support comes from Cobalt resident Weston with a jazz-inspired DJ set. Lineup: Ancient Infinity Orchestra – Weston (DJ)
F54 celebrates the North’s deep bond with industrial sound. Transforming post-industrial collapse into a creative sanctuary, these three acclaimed artists bridge regional heritage with a futuristic sonic pulse. Expect euphoric and cathartic electronica in its rawest form, defined by mechanical, repetitive rhythms that echo the psyche of the North. Once forged in iron and steel, the region remains a haven for synthesised innovation. Lineup: Nadine Hurley – Crimewave – Sin Clair
Northern Roots presents a showcase celebrating artists developing their sound at every stage of their journey. For over 40 years, Northern Roots has supported performers from their first live shows through to established careers, creating opportunities to grow, collaborate and connect. Expect an unforgettable evening of Afrobeats, Rap, R&B and Soul, with live performances and DJ sets delivering high energy, authentic storytelling and exceptional musicianship throughout the night. Hosted By Sushi Sound. Lineup: Te'Kiah – Maniko – Chloe Castro – TMJ – Kay Greyson – Mcxxne – Shakk – Sisi – DJ Miss Bundz – Look Left - Jamal G
Liift Live hosts an evening spotlighting one of the North East’s most exciting emerging acts. Headliners Dolder, identical twins Dani and Zara, pair harmony-led indie-pop with deeply personal songwriting, earning early acclaim from Rolling Stone, NME, The Line of Best Fit and Wonderland. Their debut EP The Motive marks them out as a rising force. Lineup: Dolder - Sarah Johnsone - Georgina Gale
Worldwide FM residents Santa Leticia and Lovellious come together for an all-vinyl journey through jazz, soul, disco, broken beat, house, Latin, Brazilian, Afro and Caribbean sounds, alongside deep cuts and unexpected musical discoveries. Expect a journey through eclectic sounds from two experienced selectors. Lineup: Santa Leticia – Lovellious
Be among the first audiences to experience Sam Fender: Live at London Stadium on the big screen. Capturing Sam Fender’s landmark headline performance at London Stadium on 5 June 2025, the film documents one of the defining live music moments of recent years, featuring special guest appearances from Olivia Dean and the Easington Colliery Brass Band. The screening is accompanied by a panel exploring Fender’s artistic journey, the cultural impact of his music, and the creative process behind the film, including the connections between live performance, filmmaking and artist development.
Grainger Market Unplugged is returning for the Mercury Prize Fringe, showcasing acoustic sets from some of the most exciting emerging North East artists throughout the day. Experience live music in the market from brunch to bait and tea. Supported by Creative Central NCL.
Public House Hi-Fi welcomes Tom Caulker, founder of Newcastle’s World Headquarters, for a two-part event tracing a life spent sharing music through records and his impact on Newcastle’s music culture. The afternoon begins with a seated listening session on the Public House Hi-Fi sound system, with Tom sharing records that shaped his career and the stories behind them. Residents Diz and Vinny Vins then play records they first heard Tom play and which influenced their own musical paths. At 6pm, the deck chairs clear and Tom takes control for a five-hour, all-evening set. Lineup: Tom Caulker - Diz Jockey - Vinny Vins
Public House Hi-Fi welcomes Tom Caulker, founder of Newcastle’s World Headquarters, for a two-part event tracing a life spent sharing music through records and his impact on Newcastle’s music culture. The afternoon begins with a seated listening session on the Public House Hi-Fi sound system, with Tom sharing records that shaped his career and the stories behind them. Residents Diz and Vinny Vins then play records they first heard Tom play and which influenced their own musical paths. At 6pm, the deck chairs clear and Tom takes control for a five-hour, all-evening set. Lineup: Tom Caulker - Diz Jockey - Vinny Vins
Byker Grave Presents Scott Hepple & The Sun Band, the Newcastle-based garage and psych-rock band channel the best of 60s and 70s rock through fuzz-soaked guitars, big riffs and catchy choruses. Support comes from Scottish psych/occult rockers Lucid Sins. Lineup: Scott Hepple & The Sun Band – Lucid Sins
The First Gigs x Mini Mercury Showcase shines a spotlight on the next generation of North East artists. Three selected musicians, aged 12 to 18, will perform at The Grove, gaining hands-on experience of a professional live show, from preparation and technical advancing through to soundcheck and performance, alongside venue staff and sound engineers.
Join us in the control room at Polestar Studios for a deep dive into what it takes to make an album. Hector Gannet frontman and songwriter Aaron Duff, producer and engineer Alex Blamire and Grammy Award-winning mix engineer Eduardo De La Paz explore the making of 'The Great Shakedown', from songwriting and tracking through to production, mixing, mastering and commercial release.
Zerox hosts an evening spotlighting some of the North East’s most exciting emerging acts. The genre-defying riser Esau, glam-pop powerhouse Cortney Dixon and LJ Adams (The Safest Place, Chintzy Stetson) come together to celebrate the region’s vibrant local scene. Lineup: Esau – Cortney Dixon – LJ Adams
Music management is evolving fast, and this one-day workshop offers practical insight into the realities, opportunities and responsibilities of modern music management. Led by Paul Bonham, Professional Development Director at the Music Managers Forum (MMF), the session is open to experienced and aspiring managers alike, with an inside look at the MMF’s latest work in training, business models, research and campaigning, and how it can support your development as a manager.
Co-convened and hosted by Newcastle University, the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre, North-East Music Hub and Generator, Amplify North East brings together industry representatives, educators, policy specialists, researchers, young musicians and artists to celebrate the North East’s music sector and explore its strengths, opportunities and potential for future growth. The event aims to strengthen collaboration across industry, education, research and government, helping shape future policy, investment and partnership working across the region.
Ear to the Ground gives industry the chance to meet Newcastle’s artists first-hand and build lasting relationships with the local music scene. It’s an opportunity for those artists to take the next step in their careers. Each artist will showcase their work to industry guests, playing back previous recordings and performing a couple of new songs live in the studio. They’ll also leave with recordings they can keep and use in the future.
North East producer and musician Sam Grant talks through the writing and production of 'Death Hilarious', the latest studio album from Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs. The workshop explores each stage, from home demos through to stereo and Atmos masters, using multitracks and session documents, while Sam offers a sense of how the big picture steers the minutia of the creative journey while making the album.
Discover your next favourite artist live with The Glasshouse and BBC Introducing's monthly showcase for emerging and independent artists from the North East and beyond. Joining us for this Mercury Fringe special are headliner Tom A. Smith with support from Ellur and Robyn Banks - three artists well worth catching live. Lineup: Tom A. Smith – Ellur – Robyn Banks
Hosted by Generators Young Ambassadors - Join us at Zerox' Vinyl Lounge for an evening of networking, conversation and music. Hear from platinum-selling producer Thom Lewis (AKA Bramwell Bronte), BBC Introducing's Shakk Hashemi, creative strategist Meg Savage, and rising artist Charlie Floyd as they share honest insights into breaking into the music industry and building a career from the North East. Throughout the evening, we will also be playing an extensive playlist of fantastic local artists. This event is a chance for North East creatives to connect with like-minded music professionals and artists, meet new collaborators, or simply enjoy the music. Guest Speakers: Thom Lewis, Shakk Hashemi, Meg Savage, Charlie Floyd
The session combines a 30-minute illustrated talk with a hands-on collage workshop. Jimmy shares the creative process behind record sleeves, single artwork, music videos and visual identities before guiding participants through his Dice & Disruption methodology. Using found imagery, typography and chance-based prompts, participants will create an original album or single sleeve while exploring how visual ideas respond to sound, mood and storytelling. Suitable for designers, illustrators, musicians, students and anyone developing a playful, experimental creative practice.
Join Mercury Prize shortlisted Geordie Jazz band Knats for an in-conversation and listening party exploring the tracks, stories and inspirations behind the album, growing up in Newcastle’s West End, and the people, places and experiences that have shaped their sound.
EMI North presents some of the best emerging talent from across the North of the UK. Headlined by Glasgow alt-rockers walt disco, hot on the heels of their new self-titled album, with additional special guest performances from artists across EMI North’s partner labels. Proudly promoted with Notion Live Events. Lineup: walt disco
Celebrate Mercury Prize Fringe week with an after-hours takeover of Fenwick’s Food Hall. Expect an evening where exceptional food meets the city’s music energy, with live artists and a DJ soundtracking the night. Across the Food Hall, restaurants will be serving à la carte menus, alongside a selection of dishes created especially for Mercury week (line-up and menus to be revealed). Whether you’re joining for a late supper, a toast with friends, or to soak up the atmosphere between Fringe events, this is your invitation to experience Fenwick after dark - vibrant, atmospheric, and unmistakably Newcastle. Follow Fenwick Instagram for more info.
Tyne & Queer present a special double-headliner event featuring BONG II and THRAA, with support from GREET. Expect a night of expansive, heavy and atmospheric sounds from three distinctive acts. Lineup: BONG II – THRAA – GREET
A full day of conference panels, conversations and behind-the-scenes insights from 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.
Fenwick is proud to partner with the Mercury Prize, bringing the excitement to Newcastle with the Fenwick Fan Zone - created for fellow music obsessives. Set within The Tavern at Fenwick, this Live Lounge-style event invites you to discover the shortlisted albums in a new light, connect with other fans, and enjoy live performances that capture the spirit of Mercury week. Six artists from the North East will be selected through an open call run by Generator, the North’s leading music development agency. Each will perform their own original music alongside an acoustic cover from one of this year’s Mercury Prize-shortlisted albums. Settle in for an afternoon of music, atmosphere and conversation as the city builds towards the biggest night in the UK music calendar. Follow Fenwick on Instagram for more info.
The Mercury Fringe is a week-long celebration of music, creativity and community, running alongside the Mercury Prize. It features showcases, workshops, listening parties and more, all highlighting the incredible talent and culture of our region.
Thursday 15th October – Thursday 22nd October. Events will take place every day leading up to the Mercury Prize Awards Night on Thursday 22nd October at Utilita Arena Newcastle.
Events are taking place across Newcastle City Centre.
Yes. Each event listing on our website links directly to the ticket information.
As part of Newcastle City Council’s support for the Mercury Prize Fringe, every Fringe gig is Pay As You Feel - making incredible live music accessible to everyone. Every penny contributed goes directly back to the local venues hosting the programme, helping strengthen the spaces that keep our city’s music scene alive year-round.
If you can no longer attend the event, please contact the ticket provider to return your ticket.
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.
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.
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.
Mercury Prize to Newcastle for a second year. Bringing the Prize back to the city shines a national spotlight on the North East’s vibrant music scene and creative communities, while creating an opportunity to build a lasting legacy for the local scene rather than simply creating a fleeting moment.
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.
