Mercury Prize announces Newcastle Fringe and 2025 judges

They have also announced the host and judges for the event

Mercury Prize 2025

The Mercury Prize has revealed its Newcastle Fringe Programme, as well as the hosts and judging panel for the 2025 awards in Newcastle.

This year's Mercury Prize is set to be one of the most exciting yet, with plans being revealed today on how the Prize will make its mark up north.

This is the first time in the awards history that it is being hosted outside of London, and it's one not to be missed. 

Taking place on October 16 at the Utilita Arena, the event will feature live performance from the 12 artists nominated for Album of the Year.

Mercury Prize 2025 Newcastle

Last year saw the British indie band English Teacher take the prize, with other past winners including Little Simz and Dave.

Alongside the Award Show, Generator - the North's leading music development agency - is powering the Mercury Prize Newcastle Fringe. This is a bold celebration to bring the North East's phenomenal music scene and iconic venues alive like never before. 

Spanning all seven local authorities (Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Durham and Northumberland), each region will adopt a combination of live music events, creative workshops, Q&A's and opportunities to engage people from all walks of life. 

Across the week, audiences can explore themes including music production, broadcasting, song writing, composition, and the art of album-making and promotion. Record store listening events will also be available, inviting music lovers into spaces that celebrate the art of the album. The city promises to be a buzzing hub of creative brilliance. 

As well as this the judges, who have shortlisted the Album of the Year nominees, have been announced along with the host for the evening. 

What are the dates for the Mercury Prize Newcastle Fringe? 

The Mercury Prize Newcastle Fringe will run from October 9 to October 15. 

Who are the judges for the 2025 Mercury Prize?

Here is the list of the judges below:

Danielle Perry - broadcaster & writer
Jamie Cullum - musician & Radio 2 broadcaster
Jamz Supernova - Radio 6 Music presenter
Jeff Smith - head of music, Radio 2 & Radio 6 Music
Lea Stonhill - music programming consultant
Mistajam - songwriter, DJ & broadcaster
Phil Alexander - creative director, Kerrang!/contributing editor, Mojo
Sian Eleri - Radio 1 broadcaster & DJ
Will Hodgkinson - chief rock & pop critic, The Times Sophie Williams - music writer & broadcaster. 

Who is hosting the 2025 Mercury Awards?

Radio 6 Music presenter and North East native Lauren Laverne will be hosting the awards this year. Radio 1's Maia Beth will also be hosting exclusive artist interviews with those featuring on the Albums of The Year Shortlist.

Article image: Getty

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