Live acts confirmed for Mercury Prize 2025
The stage is set and the performers confirmed as anticipation builds for the 2025 Mercury Prize (complete with a fulsome Fringe) on Tyneside
The 2025 Mercury Prize has announced the artists set to perform at its Awards Show, which will take place at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on October 16.
Nine out of the 12 nominees for the prestigious album accolade will take to the stage to perform a track from the long player which caught the ears of the judges.
They are North East flag-flyer Sam Fender, Emma-Jean Thackray, FKA twigs, Jacob Alon, Joe Webb, Martin Carthy, Pa Salieu, Pulp and Wolf Alice.
The 12 shortlisted albums span genres from folk and electronica to indie rock and hip hop. The trio of artists who aren’t available to perform in person - Fontaines D.C., PinkPantheress and CMAT - will be celebrated via a live performance film, introduced by the evening’s overall host, Sunderland broadcasting treasure, Lauren Laverne.
BBC Music is the broadcast partner, with BBC Radio 6 Music and BBC Sounds airing live coverage including the winner announcement, while BBC Four and BBC iPlayer will broadcast the Awards Show from 9.30pm.
The move to Newcastle marks the first time the Mercury Prize has been staged outside London. In partnership with Newcastle City Council and the North East Combined Authority, the relocation is being hailed as a milestone moment for the city’s cultural landscape.
Cllr Karen Kilgour, leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “The Mercury Prize Award Show and Fringe programme is now fast approaching and it’s an incredibly exciting time for Newcastle and the wider region. We can’t wait for the national and international music spotlight to shine on our fantastic city, showcasing our burgeoning music industry, hugely talented musicians and amazing venues.
“Not only will we be hosting another major music event in our city, with the help of Generator we will be providing incredible opportunities for local people of all ages, and an enduring legacy that will help further put Newcastle on the music map. Huge events like this demonstrate to young creatives across our city that they don’t need to move to London to forge a career, they can become superstars here on Tyneside.
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone to our city – the atmosphere will be electric and the economic boost events like this give to a place like Newcastle can’t be overstated. I know they’ll have an amazing time and be blown away by the welcome they will receive.”
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness added: “We’ve brought the Mercury Prize to Newcastle to inspire a new generation of talent in our region. I’m over the moon that so many incredible artists will be coming here for the Prize. They are all such an inspiration to young musicians here.
“We’ve seen Sam Fender rise from our own music community and I want to make sure he’s just one of many incredible local talents that succeed. To make that happen we’ve invited thousands of young people to join a fantastic line up of fringe events right across the North East. Maybe one of them will go on to be a future Mercury Prize shortlisted artist themselves.”
The Mercury Prize Newcastle Fringe runs from October 9–15, powered by music regional development agency, Generator. It will feature live music, workshops, industry events and community activity across seven local authority areas, including appearances by 2024 winners English Teacher, Radio 1’s Maia Beth, and Atlantic Records’ Sam Spencer.