Mercury Prize 2015 dates revealed as new partnership with BBC Music is announced

Dates for the 2015 Mercury Prize have been revealed as the award announces a major new partnership with the BBC.  

This year’s broadcast coverage of the iconic prize will be exclusively on BBC Music, a move from its previous home on Channel 4.  

As well as revealing the shortlisted acts and winner, BBC Music will also showcase this year’s nominees with a series of studio sessions across radio and online.   

Record labels are able to submit their entries for this year’s Mercury Prize from this Thursday (July 9), with the shortlist of 12 Albums of the Year to be unveiled on BBC Radio 6 Music on Friday, October 16.

The overall winner will be revealed on Friday, November 20 on both BBC Four and BBC Radio 6 Music.

Dan Ford, Mercury Prize Managing Director described the move as as “an exciting first step in the development of a new long-term vision for the Mercury Prize that will help to ensure and extend its relevance to a new generation of music fans for years to come.”

Lauren Laverne, Broadcaster and BBC Radio 6 Music Presenter, added: “I have a long history with the Mercury Prize and couldn’t be happier to be involved with it in 2015 as it returns to the BBC as a part of BBC Music.  It’s a fantastic celebration of Britain’s vibrant, diverse music scene.”

Last year’s Mercury Prize was won by Scottish hip-hop trio with their debut album Dead, which saw a 4000% sales lift following their victory.

Photo: @laurenlaverne