Grainger Market Unplugged is returning for the Mercury Prize Fringe, showcasing acoustic sets from some of the most exciting emerging North East artists throughout the day. Experience live music in the market from brunch to bait and tea. Supported by Creative Central NCL. Pay bar will be open throughout the day. Grainger Market Unplugged line up: FAWNS, Sam Bennett, Hels Pattison, Josh Webb, Polyvinyl, Bear Park Your Saturday shopping at Grainger Market just got a soundtrack. Supported by Creative Central NCL and programmed by The Support Act - Neave Farry.
Be among the first audiences to experience Sam Fender: Live at London Stadium on the big screen. Capturing Sam Fender’s landmark headline performance at London Stadium on 5 June 2025, the film documents one of the defining live music moments of recent years, featuring special guest appearances from Olivia Dean and the Easington Colliery Brass Band. The screening is accompanied by a panel exploring Fender’s artistic journey, the cultural impact of his music, and the creative process behind the film, including the connections between live performance, filmmaking and artist development.
Fenwick is proud to partner with the Mercury Prize, bringing the excitement to Newcastle with the Fenwick Fan Zone - created for fellow music obsessives. Set within The Tavern at Fenwick, this Live Lounge-style event invites you to discover the shortlisted albums in a new light, connect with other fans, and enjoy live performances that capture the spirit of Mercury week. Six artists from the North East will be selected through an open call run by Generator, the North’s leading music development agency. Each will perform their own original music alongside an acoustic cover from one of this year’s Mercury Prize-shortlisted albums. Settle in for an afternoon of music, atmosphere and conversation as the city builds towards the biggest night in the UK music calendar. Follow Fenwick on Instagram for more info.
As part of the Mercury Prize celebrations, a cohort of young people will come together to plan, produce and deliver their own live gig, gaining hands-on experience of what it takes to bring a live event to life. From artist liaison and advancing to production, programming, promotion and everything in between, the cohort will be involved throughout the process, developing practical skills and insight into the live music industry. The programme is being delivered with the support of Notion Live Events, who will work alongside the cohort to share their expertise, guidance and experience, helping the next generation of live event professionals build the skills and confidence to deliver their own shows. Lineup: Nano Kino
The session combines a 30-minute illustrated talk with a hands-on collage workshop. Jimmy shares the creative process behind record sleeves, single artwork, music videos and visual identities before guiding participants through his Dice & Disruption methodology. Using found imagery, typography and chance-based prompts, participants will create an original album or single sleeve while exploring how visual ideas respond to sound, mood and storytelling. Suitable for designers, illustrators, musicians, students and anyone developing a playful, experimental creative practice.
