The Mercury Prize recognizes the best new British and Irish music, celebrating artistic achievement across a range of contemporary genres. First awarded in 1992, the independent arts prize serves as a major platform for both emerging and established talent, introducing outstanding albums to a wider global audience. The 12 "Albums of the Year" shortlist is curated annually by an independent panel of music industry professionals, musicians, and critics. Past winners include iconic acts such as Primal Scream, PJ Harvey, Arctic Monkeys, Dave, Little Simz, Ezra Collective, English Teacher, and Sam Fender. For more information, please visit the Official Mercury Prize Website.
Newcastle: a city making its mark
Newcastle is England’s most northern city and home to 300,000 proud Geordies. Shaped by a bold industrial past, the city is now forging a new identity as a cultural powerhouse; a place where ambitious ideas, young artists and creative talent can thrive. From music and performance to festivals, major events and city-wide celebrations, Newcastle is making waves well beyond the North East. In 2026, the city will host the Mercury Prize for the second consecutive year, following its landmark achievement as the first city outside London to host the prestigious event. With world-class music studios set to open on the iconic Quayside, alongside progress towards Newcastle-Gateshead’s recognition as a Music City, there has never been more opportunity for local artists and creatives to build careers and audiences. This momentum is being driven by Newcastle City Council’s ambitious 10-year Cultural Events Programme, which is helping to shape Newcastle’s future as a world-class events city and one of the UK’s leading cultural destinations. Through a newly assembled Cultural Events team, the Council is building an exciting pipeline of major events, festivals and creative projects including the Mercury Prize and UEFA EURO 2028, while producing its own ambitious programme of events including Howaymanay, Enchanted City and NOVUM Summer Festival. Newcastle isn’t just making noise. It’s creating a city full of opportunity, creativity and unforgettable experiences.
The BPI is the representative voice for the UK’s world-leading record companies and label businesses. As a trade association, it champions British recorded music, representing hundreds of independent music companies and the UK’s three major record labels—Sony Music Entertainment UK, Universal Music UK and Warner Music UK. The BPI owns and organises The BRIT Awards and the Mercury Prize, co-owns the Official Charts company with the Entertainment Retailers Association (ERA), and administers the BRIT Certified Awards for platinum, gold, and silver sales milestones. Additionally, the BPI governs the Music Export Growth Scheme (MEGS) to support UK talent globally and works alongside its charity arm, The BRIT Trust, to foster music education and wellbeing.
Generator is the North’s leading music development agency. Since 1991, we’ve been breaking barriers, building careers, and pushing boundaries. We don’t just talk about the future - we create it. We give talent, creative entrepreneurs and industry professionals the tools, connections and platforms they need to grow and thrive. Whether it’s developing artists, backing startups or opening doors to global opportunities, Generator turns ambition into action.
