Mercury Fringe to return ‘bigger and bolder’

Newcastle is set for a week-long celebration of music this autumn, with more than 30 events bringing together emerging talent, established artists and industry figures across the city.

The Mercury Prize Fringe will return from October 15 to 22, building on its inaugural programme last year as the Mercury Prize itself comes back to the North East for a second successive year.

Almost 30 venues will host live performances, listening parties, screenings, workshops and talks, with a strong focus on showcasing North East talent and creating opportunities for the region’s next generation of artists and music industry professionals.

Presented and funded by Newcastle City Council alongside Mercury Prize organiser BPI, the Fringe is programmed and led by Northern music development agency Generator.

Among the highlights will be a screening of Sam Fender’s landmark 2025 London Stadium performance at Tyneside Cinema, accompanied by a panel exploring the North Shields singer-songwriter’s career, cultural impact and the making of the film.

Meanwhile, Newcastle-born music figure and World Headquarters founder Tommy Caulker will share the records and stories that have shaped his life in music at Public House HiFi. Grainger Market Unplugged will also return, showcasing acoustic performances from emerging North East artists.

Young musicians aged 12 to 18 will also have the opportunity to experience life inside a professional venue through Mini Mercury x First Gigs at The Grove, working alongside venue staff and sound engineers before performing to an audience.

In addition, BBC Introducing will spotlight emerging regional artists during a special event at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, headlined by Sunderland musician Tom A. Smith.

And Mercury Prize-shortlisted Newcastle jazz outfit Knats will return to the city’s West End for an intimate listening party and conversation at the John Marley Centre, exploring their shortlisted album and the influence of growing up in the area.

Alongside the live programme, the Fringe will aim to create a longer-term legacy for the region’s music sector.

That will include Generator Live, a free conference at Newcastle’s Crowne Plaza on October 21 featuring 14 sessions for emerging artists and creatives.

Artists, producers, A&R managers, cultural commentators and other industry figures will explore subjects ranging from building audiences and collaborative songwriting to creating sustainable careers in music.

Adam MacDonald, project manager at Generator, said: “Last year, we headed into the unknown with the creation of the first-ever Mercury Fringe, and the response from music lovers and the wider music industry across the North East completely blew us away. 

“What made it so special was the collective enthusiasm of artists, venues, partners and audiences across the city. 

“It showed exactly why Newcastle is such a brilliant home for the Mercury Prize. 

“This year we’ve taken that energy and built on it. 

“The programme is bigger and more ambitious, with even more opportunities to discover new music, see brilliant artists, and get involved in Mercury Prize week. 

“We can’t wait to see the city come alive again.”

The programme culminates alongside the 2026 Mercury Prize Awards Show, which will take place at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on October 22, bringing one of the UK’s most prominent music awards back to the city for a second year.

Dr Jo Twist OBE, chief executive of the BPI, organisers of the Mercury Prize, added: “We’re so delighted to be bringing the Mercury Fringe back to Newcastle in October, with a bigger and bolder programme than ever thanks to our partners at Generator and Newcastle City Council.  

“Newcastle is a true music city, and we’re grateful to its incredible music ecosystem for welcoming the Mercury Prize. 

“We know this year’s Fringe will offer the local community an important opportunity to connect, inspire and create a lasting legacy together.”

Councillor Rob Austen, from Newcastle City Council, added: “We cannot wait for the Mercury Prize to return to Newcastle and for the Fringe festival to return to Tyneside. 

“It has always been vitally important to us that the ceremony is more than just one night; that it creates opportunities for artists, venues and partners, and leaves a lasting legacy across the region.

“Last year was amazing, but we want 2026 to be even bigger and better. 

“We are proud to champion Newcastle as the cultural heartbeat of the North and to show local artists that they don’t need to leave the region to forge a career in the music industry.”

Tickets and full programme information are available from generator.org.uk/mercuryprizefringe

Read our interview with YolanDa Brown on bringing the Mercury Prize to Newcastle and its lasting impact on the region’s music scene.

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