Mercury Prize to Return to Newcastle for 2026
The Mercury Prize is set to return to Newcastle's Utilita Arena on October 22, 2026. This marks the second time the prestigious music award ceremony will be held in the city.
The news was announced by NME, citing the return of the event to its original home. The Utilita Arena has a capacity of over 11,000 and has hosted numerous high-profile concerts and events in the past.
The Mercury Prize is an annual music award that recognizes the best album of the year in the UK and Ireland. Past winners include artists such as Arctic Monkeys, Adele, and Stormzy.
The ceremony typically features a live performance by the winner, as well as other notable artists. The event is also streamed online for those who cannot attend in person.
The return of the Mercury Prize to Newcastle is expected to be a major boost for the city's music scene. The event is likely to attract thousands of music fans from across the UK and beyond.
The Utilita Arena has a rich history of hosting music events, including concerts by major artists such as Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran. The arena is also home to the Newcastle Eagles basketball team.
The Mercury Prize is one of the most prestigious music awards in the UK, and its return to Newcastle is a testament to the city's thriving music scene. The event is expected to be a major highlight of the city's cultural calendar in 2026.