The shortlist announcement date and judging panel for the Mercury Prize 2026 has now been announced – check out all the details below.
READ MORE: Sam Fender live in Leeds: generational Geordie star safely coasts into a new era
Today’s (Monday July 27) announcement comes following the biggest year yet for the awards in 2025, where it took place in Newcastle – the first time in its history that it was held outside of London. Held at the Ultilita Arena, the ceremony saw local hero Sam Fender take home the award for his record ‘People Watching’.
The awards are set to return to Newcastle next year on October 22, and tickets are available to the general public now – you can find yours here. The awards show will feature live performances from many of the 12 shortlisted artists – who will be announced exclusively live on BBC Radio 6 Music and BBC Sounds from 10.30am this Thursday (July 30).
Ahead of the announcement of the long-awaited 2026 ‘Albums of the Year’ line-up this Thursday, the 2026 Mercury Prize judging team has been revealed. Making up the judging team are music writer and broadcaster Sophie Williams, The Times‘ rock and pop critic Will Hodgkinson, composer, DJ and radio broadcaster AFRODEUTSCHE, and broadcaster and musician Danielle Perry.
Alongside them will be Radio 2’s Jamie Cullum, Jeff Smith, Lea Stonhill, MistaJam, Kerrang’s creative director Phil Alexander, Sian Eleri, with Jeff Smith The Chair of the judging team.
Also announced today is the return of Radio 1 presenter and DJ Maia Beth, who will be hosting exclusive artist interviews with those featuring on the ‘Albums of the Year’ shortlist for Mercury Prize social channels.
“It’s an absolute pleasure to be back working with the Mercury Prize this year,” Beth said. “Last year’s Mercury Prize was a celebration of music – from jazz to pop and everything in between. Having it in Newcastle brought attention to a place I’m so proud of, and I can’t wait to be back celebrating the best music in the best place.”
It follows news that organisers will once again be teaming up with Newcastle City Council, hosting the 2026 edition of the ceremony in the city for the second consecutive year at the Utilita Arena.
Last year’s instalment of the Mercury Prize saw nearly 8,000 visitors travel to Newcastle for the events, and generated a combined spend of £874,724. It also added an estimated £552,868 GVA to the regional economy, and led to 35 local people gaining work experience.
When North Shields singer-songwriter Fender won last year’s award for his acclaimed third album, he beat off competition from Pulp, Wolf Alice, Fontaines D.C. and CMAT., and joined an impressive list of past winners including PJ Harvey, Arctic Monkeys, English Teacher, Ezra Collective, Little Simz, Dave, Wolf Alice and Young Fathers.
He later confirmed that he donated his £25,000 winnings to the Music Venue Trust (MVT), while highlighting the importance of “struggling” small gig spaces in the UK.
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