2025 Mercury Prize moves to Newcastle

For the first time in its history, the prestigious Mercury Prize will take place outside of London – and it’s coming to Newcastle.

As the North’s leading music development agency and Lead Industry Partner for the 2025 Mercury Prize, Generator is proud to play a central role in bringing this landmark moment to the region. We’ve worked closely with Newcastle City Council, the North East Combined Authority, and key national stakeholders to help shape the prize’s move to the North, and ensure it leaves a lasting legacy.

To mark the occasion, Generator will deliver a week-long fringe programme in the run-up to the main event at the Utilita Arena on 16th October 2025. The fringe will spotlight the depth and diversity of Northern talent, activating venues across the region and creating new opportunities for artists, creative professionals, and local communities to connect with one of the UK’s most prestigious music events.

This marks a new chapter for the North East’s music sector, and reflects Generator’s long-standing role in shaping it. For over 30 years, Generator has championed the North’s music talent and industry, building the infrastructure, partnerships and programmes that ensure the region doesn’t follow – it leads. From launching the Northern Music Export Office to forging game-changing collaborations with Warner Music UK and EMI North, we’re laying the foundations for a stronger, fairer and more sustainable future in music.

What our partners are saying

Mick Ross, CEO of Generator, said: “We’re proud to be the Lead Industry Partner for the Mercury Prize’s move to Newcastle, working closely with regional and national partners to bring this opportunity to the table. We can’t wait to share plans for a week-long fringe programme that will put a global spotlight on our incredible city and showcase the raw talent, passion, and creativity that drive our community.”

“Following the MOBOs, Music City initiatives, Sonic Futures, the Northern Music Export Office, and our partnerships with EMI North and Warner, this moment cements the North East’s position as the new home of the Northern music industry, leading the way for a stronger, more sustainable future in music, culture, and creativity.”

Dr Jo Twist OBE, Chief Executive of the BPI, 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. Newcastle is a true music city and we are excited to work with our partners to deliver this inaugural moment and a memorable Mercury Prize 2025.”

YolanDa Brown OBE DL, Chair of the BPI, added: “Since joining the BPI as Chair, I’ve held an ambition to see the Mercury Prize hosted outside of London to reflect the incredible diversity of talent across the country. I feel a special connection with Newcastle and know the city will give the Prize the energy, love and audience it deserves.”

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 region.”

Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “Bringing the Mercury Prize to the North East is yet another fantastic accolade that builds on our proud cultural history and strengthens our reputation as a region of culture. The success of artists like Sam Fender shows what’s possible for young musicians in our region.”

Sarah Hall, BBC Press Office, said: “The BBC is proud to continue its long-standing partnership with the Mercury Prize. We look forward to broadcasting this year’s event live from Newcastle, celebrating the best in British and Irish music with audiences across the UK and beyond.”

A national stage for the North

The Mercury Prize 2025 Awards Show will be broadcast across BBC TV, radio and digital platforms, with live performances from many of the shortlisted artists and the winner revealed live from Newcastle. The ‘Albums of the Year’ shortlist will be announced on Wednesday 10th September.

For Generator, this is more than an event, it’s an opportunity to show the world what the North is capable of.

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