Mercury Prize judges were treated to a special musical welcome when they arrived at Newcastle Central Station this afternoon (Thursday) ahead of tonight’s awards ceremony.
The LNER Mini Mercury Choir, featuring children from Hotspur Primary School, Regent Farm First School, Gosforth Voices and Newcastle Children’s Choir, serenaded the visitors as they stepped off the train.
The young singers were joined by YolanDa Brown OBE, chair of the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), along with Newcastle City Council leader Colin Ferguson and cabinet member for culture Rob Austin.
The welcome marked the return of the Mercury Prize to Newcastle for a second consecutive year, with the winner of the coveted Album of the Year award set to be announced at Utilita Arena Newcastle tonight (October 22).
There are two North East contenders among this year’s 12 nominees: South Shields singer JADE and Newcastle jazz collective Knats.
They face competition from a shortlist featuring Dave, Dove Ellis, Florence + The Machine, Kojey Radical, Nia Archives, Olivia Dean, Paul McCartney, RAYE, Suede and War Child Records’ HELP(2).
The Mercury Prize celebrates the best British and Irish albums of the past year, recognising musical achievement across genres.
Last year’s ceremony saw North Shields singer-songwriter Sam Fender claim the prize for People Watching, becoming the first winner to lift the trophy on Tyneside.
And while Olivia Dean and Nia Archives are joint favourites to win, the region will be hoping for another home victory.