The Mercury Prize Fringe takes place across Newcastle from the 15th to the 22nd of October, building up anticipation towards the night of the award at the Utilita Arena on Thursday 22nd October.
It hosts an array of gigs, workshops, discussions, masterclasses and creative experiences across Newcastle’s most iconic venues and spaces, bringing together diverse lineup of emerging artists and established voices from across the UK.
From the current underground scene in Cobalt and World HQ, to 60s and 70s psych-rock infusions, the 30+ event city-wide festival truly spotlights and platforms the range of what Newcastle’s music scene has to offer, whilst celebrating the regions venues and creative spaces.
The Mercury Prize Fringe is incredibly important because it extends the significance of the Mercury Prize’s residency in Newcastle.
For too long Northern regions have been dismissed for their Southern counterparts in the music industry, but over the past couple of years we have begun seeing a shift in attitude. With a Creative Sector Industrial Strategy by the Government, and the Mercury Prize’s first journey beyond London to Newcastle last year, there has been a significant effort to make cultural changes that narrow the gap between the north and south in the music industry.
The Mercury Prize’s return may bring back the awards prestige for the city to retain, and spotlight Newcastle as a musical hotspot, but the fringe festival goes deeper. It extends what the signification of The Mercury Prize being in Newcastle.
It doesn’t merely just say that Newcastle has musical potential, but platforms it. The Fringe festival showcases the Toon’s music scene that has been disregarded for it’s Southern counterparts for too long, and putting Newcastle at the centre of this year’s Mercury Prize award.
There’s lots on offer, but here I’ve spotlighted some of the announced events for each day of the festival, prioritising a range of experiences
15th October - Playing out (live music) @ Freight Island, 7pm – LATE
Playing out is the first event of the fringe, and the only one taking place on the 15th October. It’ll see emerging talent perform alongside more established names. Appropriately putting first and allowing focus to fall on the artists currently shaping North East Music, the event encapsulates what The Mercury Prize and Fringe being in Newcastle signifies, and is the perfect way to start the festivities.
16th October – Miso presents Santa Leticia & Lovellius (Worldwide FM) (music experience) @ Odio Bar, Miso, 8pm – LATE
Discover deep cuts and eclectic sounds as Worldwide FM residents Santa Leticia and Levellius take you through an all-vinyl, musical journey. Through jazz, soul, disco, broken beat, house, Latin, Brazilian, Afro and Caribbean sounds, these two experienced selectors won’t disappoint.
17th October – Sam Fender: Live at London Stadium Premiere (music experience) @ Tyneside Cinema, 7.45pm - LATE
Two evenings of live music calls for giving your legs a rest at Tyneside cinema. Be one of the first audiences to experience Sam Fender: Live at London Stadium on the big screen. Grab some popcorn and watch the film documenting the geordie superstar’s landmark headline performance at London Stadium on 5th June 2025, in one of Newcastle’s iconic independent cinemas. Alongside the screening, there’ll be a panel exploring Fender’s artistic journey, the cultural impact of his music, and the creative process behind the film.
18th October – Inside the making of Hector Gannet’s ‘The Great Shakedown’ (masterclass) @ Polestar Studios, 4pm – 6pm
After completely indulging in musical entertainment, it’s time to lock in and learn. Hector Gannet frontman and songwriter Aaron Duff, producer and engineer Alex Blamire, and Grammy Award winning mix engineer Eduardo De La Paz, explore the making of ‘The Great Shakedown’ From songwriting, tracking, production, mixing, mastering, all the way to commercial release, discover how to make an album yourself.
19th October – Newcastle Uni x Music Hubs Amplify North East: Inclusive Growth for the Region’s Music Sector (conference) @ The Boiler House, Newcastle University, 1pm – 6.30pm
Whilst your on an academic streak, why not stay on our very own campus to listen to industry representative, educators, policy specialists, researchers, young musicians and artists, as they discuss the North East music sector. They’ll explore it’s strengths, opportunities and potential for future growth, with an aim of strengthening collaboration across industry, education, research and government. It hopes to help shape future policy, investment and partnership working across the region.
20th October – An evening with Knats (music experience) @ John Marley Centre, 7pm - 9pm
Back to the entertainment, Mercury Prize shortlisted, Geordie Jazz band Knats are the centre of this in-conversation and listening party. Growing up in Newcastle’s West End, the lads discuss the people, places and sounds that have shaped their sound and album.
21st October – Generator Live (conference) @ The Crowne Plaza, 10am - 5pm
Featuring speakers, special guests and chances to network, experience a full day of conference panels, conversations and behind-the-scenes insights from artists and industry leaders shaping the future. If your in, entering or aspiring towards the music industry, watch this space.
22nd October – Fenwick Fan Zone – Live Lounge Sessions (live music) @ The Tavern at Fenwick Newcastle, 12pm – 6pm
Now day-of the awards, appropriately the festivities start to turn towards the shortlist. Join six North-East artists selected through open-call by Generator, as they perform a mix of their original material alongside an acoustic cover of one of this year’s Mercury Prize-shortlisted albums. A great one to warm up to the main event later in the evening.
To see the full lineup, visit generator.org.uk/mercuryprizefringe