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.
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
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.
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.
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
