Sam Fender and other shortlisted artists to perform at 2025 Mercury Prize in Newcastle

The 2025 Mercury Prize ceremony will be held at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on October 16, marking the first time the event takes place outside London. Sam Fender, from North Shields, is one of twelve shortlisted artists performing live, alongside names like Emma-Jean Thackray, FKA twigs, Jacob Alon, and Pulp. Each nominee will perform one track from their nominated album. The event will be hosted by BBC Radio 6 Music’s Lauren Laverne and broadcast by the BBC. A week of additional events called the Mercury Prize Newcastle Fringe will run from October 9, featuring workshops, industry events, and performances by local artists, including a children’s choir. Local leaders, including Newcastle City Council’s Karen Kilgour and North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, emphasize the growing strength of the region’s music scene, highlighting Sam Fender’s rise as an example of local talent. London North Eastern Railway will offer a special train service for guests. Newcastle department store Fenwick will showcase bespoke window displays of the nominated albums and host Fringe events. The Mercury Prize rewards artistic merit over commercial success, with judges from the industry deciding the winner. Previous winners include Primal Scream and PJ Harvey, the latter the only artist to win twice. The shortlisted albums represent a diverse range of British and Irish music.