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 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.
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.
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.
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.