A week-long "Mercury Prize 2026 Fringe" featuring more than 30 events has been announced across Newcastle ahead of this year's Mercury Prize ceremony. The main event takes place on 22 October at Newcastle's Utilita Arena, with the city hosting again after Sam Fender won last year's prize with his album 'People Watching'. This year's shortlist includes Paul McCartney, JADE, Nia Archives, Dave, Suede and the War Child 'Help(2)' compilation.

Fringe highlights include a screening of Sam Fender's 'Live At London Stadium' film at Tyneside Cinema on 17 October with an accompanying panel discussion, a DJ talk from Tommy Caulker, acoustic sets at Grainger Market, a special live BBC Introducing edition at the Glasshouse International Centre For Music on 19 October, and a listening party with shortlisted act Knats at the John Marley Centre on 20 October. Organisers, including BPI chief executive Dr Jo Twist and Generator's Adam MacDonald, said the programme has grown bigger following a successful first Fringe last year. The winner will be chosen by a judging panel including Sophie Williams, Will Hodgkinson, AFRODEUTSCHE, Danielle Perry and Radio 2 figures such as Jamie Cullum and MistaJam.