Newcastle’s Mercury Prize Fringe got underway on Thursday night (October 15), with live music, creativity and cultural celebrations at The Grove setting the tone for the week ahead.
Self-proclaimed Geordie punk Sweets performed a live set oozing with originality and energy. If this opening performance was anything to go by, the 2026 Fringe programme promises to be a memorable celebration of music.
A panel of speakers from Newcastle City Council, BPI and the Generator team were enthusiastic about what promised to be a week jam-packed with impressive local talent.
The Mercury Prize returns to Newcastle for the second consecutive year, and with it comes the Mercury Fringe: a city-wide celebration of music and culture running until the big evcent at the Utilita Arena on October 22.
Elsewhere in the city on launch night, Freight Island hosted the first public event with a special Mercury Prize edition of Playing Out: an evening giving emerging talent the chance to perform live alongside established names and reach wider audiences.
The Mercury Prize Fringe is helping put Newcastle in the spotlight as a city with a thriving music scene.
With events showcasing emerging artists alongside established names, it’s another opportunity for the North East to demonstrate the talent being produced here. Adam MacDonald, North East project manager at Generator, promises that this year’s Fringe will be “bigger, bolder and even more ambitious”.
There’s still a lot more to come. With over 30 events across Newcastle, you won’t want to miss out on this year’s line-up. The programme is packed with gigs, workshops and discussions, so there’s something for everyone. View the full programme here or check out these highlights:
On October 17, Grainger Market Unplugged will showcase acoustic sets from emerging North East artists throughout the day. Once you’ve had your fill of live music, Tyneside Cinema is screening the premiere of Sam Fender: Live at London Stadium from 7.45pm.
Head down to The Grove on October 18 for Mini Mercury x First Gigs – a showcase spotlighting the next generation of North East artists and giving them hands-on experience of a professional live show.
On October 19, The Glasshouse International Centre for Music in Gateshead will host BBC Introducing – a showcase to help you discover your new favourite artist from the North East and beyond.
Check out the full Mercury Prize Fringe programme here.