South Shields star JADE and Newcastle jazz outfit Knats will both perform live when the Mercury Prize returns to the North East later this month.
The two homegrown nominees are among 10 acts confirmed to take to the stage at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on Thursday, October 22, for the 2026 Mercury Prize Awards Show.
They will be joined by Dove Ellis, Florence + The Machine, Kojey Radical, Nia Archives, Olivia Dean, RAYE and Suede, while Pulp will perform on behalf of War Child Records’ HELP(2) album.
Each will perform a track from their shortlisted Album of the Year, with JADE representing THAT’S SHOWBIZ BABY! and Knats playing from A Great Day In Newcastle.
Short films will be shown to celebrate the shortlisted albums from Dave and Paul McCartney, who are not among the live performers.
The show will culminate in the announcement of the overall winner, with the final decision made by the Mercury Prize judging panel on the night.
It will be the second successive year the ceremony has taken place in Newcastle, following Sam Fender’s home-city victory in 2025.
Organised in collaboration with Newcastle City Council, this year’s awards are again accompanied by the Mercury Prize Fringe, which runs from October 15-22 and features more than 30 events across the city.
Highlights include the premiere of Sam Fender: Live at London Stadium at Tyneside Cinema, Mini Mercury x First Gigs at The Grove, Grainger Unplugged at the Grainger Market and An Evening With Knats at the John Marley Centre.
BBC Music will provide coverage of the awards show, with the last remaining tickets now on sale.