Mercury Prize judges arrive in Newcastle for 2026 ceremony

3 hours ago

Tom MacDougall,North East and Cumbriaand

Emilia Martinez-Barnfather,Newcastle

News image — A children's choir welcomed the judges at Newcastle's central railway station

NNP A huge crowd gathered in the train station, with sunlight leaking in through the transluscent, curved roof. A choir leader, dressed in a red shirt, has her first in the air. Her choir, also donning red shirts, follow suit - a sea of raised fists. The judges stand at the front of a crowd of spectators. — A children's choir welcomed the judges at Newcastle's central railway station

Judges are arriving in Newcastle ahead of the 2026 Mercury Prize ceremony.

The panel arrived at Newcastle's central railway station to the welcome of the LNER Mini Mercury Choir, an assembly of children from across the city - including Hotspur Primary School, Regent Farm First School, the Gosforth Voices choir, and the Newcastle Children's Choir.

It is the music awards' second year in the city, with Geordie Sam Fender taking home the prize in 2025 for his album People Watching.

Established in 1992, it is one of the most prestigious awards in the music industry, but until last year had only been hosted in London.

The Mercury Prize is one award each year that honours the best overall album from the UK or Ireland, with 12 albums shortlisted.

Radio One DJ and judge Sian Eleri said: "You hosted us so well last time, and the fact we get a children's choir welcoming us off the train - it's adorable.

"It's such an emotionally charged day, it's wonderful being back in Newcastle - such an amazing city of culture with music at the forefront of it all."

NNP A closer view of the choir, where they are joined by YolanDa Brown, a woman with a beaming smile who is excitedly clenching her fists. The children wave their hands in the air and are cheering. — YolanDa Brown, chair of the British Phonographic Industry, is credited as helping bring the awards to Newcastle

Newcastle Music Hub's Charlotte Galloway, who played conductor for the youth choir, said the entrance fanfare was the product of two hours of rehearsal - a quick turn around.

"It's amazing to see what is possible when you invest in young people," she said.

Chloe and Olivia from the choir, both eight years old, said they had felt "nervous" at first.

"But Charlotte was helping us," Olivia said.

Separately, events have been taking place across the city as part of the Mercury Fringe, including a group of teenagers being given the chance to plan and deliver a live gig, part of a programme aimed at giving them a taste of music industry careers.

Who's nominated for this year's Mercury Prize?

Olivia Dean is among the favourites to win the £25,000 prize, which recognises outstanding albums, after her second record, The Art of Loving, won album of the year at both the Brits and the Mobo Awards.

Sir Paul McCartney also receives his first ever Mercury nomination, aged 84, for the nostalgia-laden The Boys of Dungeon Lane.

In the mix is also Geordie Jazz band Knats, who gave a flavour of their music with a performance in the Look North studio this week.

Can you guess the last 10 Mercury Prize winners?

Eleri said: "Everyone deserves the win, it's always impossible to pick just one.

"They're all worthy winners in their own different ways with what they've brought to the table, their albums, the emotions they've laid bare, or the worlds they've built in the album they've given us."

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