Mercury Prize to be held in Newcastle for the first time ever
The prestigious music prize heads to Tyneside for 2025, marking the first time it has been hosted outside of London.
By Nick Reilly
The Mercury Prize has announced that the prestigious music ceremony will head to Newcastle for its 2025 edition.
The ceremony, which crowns the best album of the last 12 months, will take place at the Utilita Arena on October 16, marking the first time the event has been held outside of London.
Last year’s Mercury Prize was won by English Teacher and the shortlist for this year’s hopefuls will be announced on Wednesday 10th September 2025.
It has also been confirmed that Generator – the North’s leading music development agency and Lead Industry Partner for the Mercury Prize – will coordinate a dynamic, week-long regional fringe programme in the lead up to the awards, which celebrates the city’s dynamic music scene.
Dr Jo Twist OBE, BPI Chief Executive said: “We are delighted to announce this groundbreaking moment for the Mercury Prize. We and our label community are committed to celebrating and providing the opportunity to showcase talent from all over the UK. Previous Mercury Prize winners and Album of the Year artists have consistently demonstrated this breadth of talent that is uniquely homegrown. Newcastle-upon-Tyne is a true music city and we are excited to work with our partners at The City of Newcastle & North East Combined Authority to deliver this inaugural moment and a memorable Mercury Prize 2025.”
YolanDa Brown OBE DL, BPI Chair said: “Since joining the BPI as Chair, I have held an ambition to see the Mercury Prize hosted outside of London, in part to reflect the exciting diverse breadth of human artistry that is thriving all around the country. I feel a special connection with Newcastle-Upon-Tyne and the wonderful music fans there, who I know will be absolutely thrilled that their beloved city will be hosting this premier music awards event for the first time. The anticipation will be immense, marking the culmination of an incredible year for the city with football and now in music.”
Cllr Karen Kilgour, Leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “The fact that Newcastle has been chosen as the first location for the prestigious Mercury Prize to ever be held outside of London speaks volumes of the growing strength of the music industry in the city and wider city region. I am biased of course, but this is the best city in the world and it is no surprise to me that there is global interest in Newcastle.”
More news of live performances and nominees is expected in the coming months.