The Mercury Prize 2025 is set to make history this year — not just for its groundbreaking nominations, but for its brand-new home. For the first time, the prestigious British music award ceremony will be held outside London, taking place at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on tonight (October 16). The event will celebrate the 12 Albums of the Year, featuring live performances from some of the UK’s most influential and exciting artists.
The 2025 edition will be hosted by Lauren Laverne, with BBC Music providing full broadcast coverage. Fans can tune in live from 9 p.m. to midnight on BBC Radio 6 Music and BBC Sounds, with presenters Deb Grant and Nathan Shepherd broadcasting directly from Newcastle. Music journalist Matt Everitt will deliver exclusive backstage interviews and winner reactions. For TV viewers, BBC Four and BBC iPlayer will air the official Awards Show starting at 9:30 p.m.
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Performers and Show Highlights
Taking the stage at the Utilita Arena are Emma-Jean Thackray, FKA twigs, Jacob Alon, Joe Webb, Martin Carthy, Pa Salieu, Pulp, Sam Fender, and Wolf Alice — each performing one track from their shortlisted album. A special film presentation will highlight performances from the remaining nominees, ensuring that every shortlisted artist is represented.
The ceremony marks a major shift for the Mercury Prize, which has long been synonymous with London’s Eventim Apollo. Partnering with Newcastle City Council and The North East Combined Authority, the move to the North East reflects a broader commitment to championing creativity across the UK. Newcastle, known for its rich musical heritage, also hosted the Mercury Prize Fringe Festival from October 9–15.
The 2025 Shortlist
This year’s shortlist balances fresh talent and legendary returns:
• CMAT – EURO-COUNTRY
• Emma-Jean Thackray – Weirdo
• FKA twigs – EUSEXUA
• Fontaines D.C. – Romance
• Jacob Alon – In Limerence
• Joe Webb – Hamstrings & Hurricanes
• Martin Carthy – Transform Me Then Into A Fish
• Pa Salieu – Afrikan Alien
• PinkPantheress – Fancy That
• Pulp – More
• Sam Fender – People Watching
• Wolf Alice – The Clearing
Judging Panel and Selection
The 2025 judging panel brings together some of the UK’s most respected voices in music, including Jamie Cullum, Jamz Supernova, Mistajam, and Phil Alexander, alongside critics like Will Hodgkinson (The Times) and Sophie Williams. The panel will decide which of the 12 albums best represents the spirit of British and Irish music today — emphasizing creativity, originality, and emotional impact over commercial metrics.
How to Watch the Mercury Prize 2025
•BBC Radio 6 Music & BBC Sounds: Live broadcast from 9 p.m.–12 a.m.
• BBC Four & BBC iPlayer: Awards Show broadcast from 9:30 p.m.
• In Person: Last tickets for the live event at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena are available now.
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