Mercury Prize Held in Newcastle for First Time, Celebrating UK Music Beyond London

The Mercury Prize ceremony is taking place today, October 16, 2025, at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle, marking the first time in the event’s 33-year history that the awards have been held outside of London.

The event brings together Britain and Ireland’s top musicians, with nominees including Pulp, PinkPantheress, Wolf Alice, and CMAT. Sunderland’s Lauren Laverne is hosting the ceremony, and North Shields’ Sam Fender is set to perform. The move signifies a growing recognition of musical talent outside the capital and aims to inspire a new generation of artists in the North East.

Several nominees have praised the decision to relocate the awards. Martin Carthy MBE, the oldest ever nominee at 84, called it a “master stroke,” stating he felt “honoured” despite being a “bloomin’ southerner.” Emma Jean Thackray added, “I think people are starting to realise that the music industry is not just about London,” while Middlesbrough country singer Finn Forster expressed gratitude that the industry was “taking a step outside London for the first time.” The BBC’s arts reporter Sharuna Sagar noted the move demonstrates the industry is “finally taking the North East seriously.”

The event has already sparked excitement among young musicians, with the Mini Mercury Choir performing Sam Fender’s “People Watching” for industry professionals. The Mercury Prize has a significant economic impact on the UK music industry, contributing millions to the economy each year according to the British Phonographic Industry. Chair of the BPI, Yolanda Brown, said the event is “going to be a great celebration of the music of this year, focused on Newcastle.”

The winner of the 2025 Mercury Prize will be announced this evening, with officials hoping the event will “kick open the door for more homegrown artists to thrive.”