Mercury Prize 2025 Moves to Newcastle Featuring Sam Fender, FKA twigs

The 2025 Mercury Prize ceremony will be held for the first time outside London, taking place at Newcastle's Utilita Arena on October 16. Sam Fender, among other notable artists like FKA twigs, Pulp, Wolf Alice, and Emma-Jean Thackray, is shortlisted and set to perform at the event, showcasing tracks from their nominated albums. The ceremony will be hosted by BBC Radio 6 Music's Lauren Laverne and broadcast on the BBC, accompanied by a week-long Mercury Prize Newcastle Fringe featuring workshops, industry events, and local performances starting October 9. Newcastle officials express enthusiasm about the city gaining national and international spotlight for its music industry, highlighting the success of previous events like the MOBO Awards. Additional event highlights include a special named train service by LNER and bespoke window displays by Fenwick department store. The Mercury Prize distinguishes itself by rewarding artistic achievement over commercial success, with winners decided by a panel of industry experts.