The judging panel for the Mercury Prize 2026 has been confirmed, ahead of this year's ceremony returning to Newcastle following its historic first outing outside London in 2025, when hometown favourite Sam Fender won. The event has become a fixture in the North East, and confirming the panel marks a key step towards the announcement of this year's shortlist and the eventual winner of Britain's leading album award.

The ten-strong judging team is chaired by Jeff Smith, Head of Music at Radio 2 and 6 Music, and includes broadcasters, musicians and journalists such as Jamie Cullum, Sian Eleri, MistaJam and Will Hodgkinson of The Times. The Mercury Prize 2026 ceremony will be held on 22 October at Utilita Arena, Newcastle, with tickets now on sale, while the 12-album shortlist is due to be revealed on Thursday 30 July.