Mercury Prize 2026 will open with Florence + The Machine, RAYE, Suede and Pulp in Newcastle

The Mercury Prize has named the artists who will play its 2026 Awards Show, and the bill mixes shortlisted names with some very big guests. The ceremony takes place on Thursday 22 October 2026 at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle, the second year the prize has been held in the city after leaving London in 2025.

For readers new to it: the Mercury Prize is the UK's long-running prize for the best album of the year from a British or Irish act. Twelve records make the shortlist, one wins, and the winner is chosen by a panel of judges rather than by sales or streams. Last year Sam Fender took it for People Watching, ahead of Pulp, Fontaines D.C. and CMAT.

Who is playing

The performers announced on 30 September are RAYE, Olivia Dean, JADE, Suede, Dove Ellis, Florence + The Machine, Knats, Kojey Radical and Nia Archives, with Pulp also on the bill. Most of the shortlisted acts will perform, but not all: a short film will mark the nominated albums by Dave and Paul McCartney, who will not be there in person.

Two of the nominees come from the North East itself, JADE (of Little Mix) and Knats, which gives the Newcastle crowd a home-town moment. RAYE, Suede, Florence + The Machine and Nia Archives are also on the shortlist.

Tickets and the fringe

Tickets start at £48 through AXS, and the Mercury Prize site says the last tickets are available now. Before the main night, the Mercury Prize Fringe runs from 15 to 22 October with more than 30 events across the city: live sets, listening parties, screenings, workshops and talks.

The shortlist itself was revealed on 30 July on BBC Radio 6 Music and BBC Sounds. We will report the winner as soon as it is announced.

Related reading: our page for Nia Archives and Olivia Dean.