While the stars of British music were taking centre stage at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena for last week’s Mercury Prize ceremony, students from Newcastle College were busy making their own contributions behind the scenes.
From creating bespoke gifts for shortlisted artists and VIPs to preparing food for the awards dinner and welcoming guests, students from across the college put their skills to work at the high-profile event.
The Mandela Collective, Newcastle College’s in-house agency for Art, Design and Digital Art degree students, worked with Creative Heritage Studios CIC to produce commemorative pin badges for the occasion.
Commissioned by Creative Central NCL, Newcastle College and Newcastle City Council, the project saw students collaborate on designs which were unveiled at the launch of the Mercury Prize Fringe and presented to artists and VIPs at the ceremony.
Corinne Lewis-Ward, director of Creative Heritage Studios CIC, said: “It was fantastic to work with the students from Newcastle College’s Mandela Collective to co-create something so special for the 2026 Mercury Prize.
“The project gave them the opportunity to bring their creativity and ideas to a brilliant event, while experiencing what it’s like to collaborate on a live design brief.”
Meanwhile, students from the college’s Chef’s Academy spent the week preparing food for crews working at the arena.
The college’s Canteen Club chefs also created the starter for the awards dinner and helped prepare the main courses and desserts.
Travel and Tourism students were on hand to welcome guests and assist with meet-and-greets, while Chef’s Academy students supported front-of-house operations.
Jon Ridley, principal of Newcastle College, said: “The Mercury Prize is a massive event in British music, and Newcastle College students delivered it.
"The College’s Mandela Collective created bespoke gifts for nominees and VIPs; our trainee chefs prepared food for the evening, and everyone was welcomed by our events students. Each student shone and showed their talent and expertise on the national stage.”
Caroline James, general manager at Utilita Arena Newcastle, said: “For us it was more than simply playing host to the major event, it was about creating opportunities for the next generation and celebrating the people who make our city so special.”