Sam Fender in line for prestigious award as Mercury Music Prize arrives in Newcastle
The Mercury Prize is heading to Newcastle tonight - the first time it's been held outside of London.
Sam Fender will be looking to pick up the Mercury Prize in his home city later - as the ceremony heads to Newcastle.
The North Shields singer's nominated for his third album, People Watching.
He's joined by 11 other nominees for the single accolade, which celebrates the Album of the Year.
The 2025 Mercury Prize 12 ‘Albums of the Year’ are:
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’
Those taking to the stage at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena tonight are Emma-Jean Thackray, FKA twigs, Jacob Alon, Joe Webb, Martin Carthy, Pa Salieu, Pulp, Sam Fender and Wolf Alice.
Each artist will perform one track from their shortlisted album. A live performance film will be shown to celebrate the ‘Albums of the Year’ from the other shortlisted artists.
The 2025 Mercury Prize 12 ‘Albums of the Year’ Awards Show will be hosted by Lauren Laverne.
Cllr Karen Kilgour, Leader of Newcastle City Council said: “The Mercury Prize Award Show and Fringe programme is now fast approaching and it’s an incredibly exciting time for Newcastle and the wider region. We can’t wait for the national and international music spotlight to shine on our fantastic city, showcasing our burgeoning music industry, hugely talented musicians and amazing venues.
“Not only will we be hosting another major music event in our city, with the help of Generator we will be providing incredible opportunities for local people of all ages, and an enduring legacy that will help further put Newcastle on the music map. Huge events like this demonstrate to young creatives across our city that they don’t need to move to London to forge a career, they can become superstars here on Tyneside.
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone to our city – the atmosphere will be electric and the economic boost events like this give to a place like Newcastle can’t be overstated. I know they’ll have an amazing time and be blown away by the welcome they will receive.”
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “We’ve brought the Mercury Prize to Newcastle to inspire a new generation of talent in our region. I’m over the moon that so many incredible artists will be coming here for the Prize. They are all such an inspiration to young musicians here.
"We've seen Sam Fender rise from our own music community and I want to make sure he's just one of many incredible local talents that succeed.
"To make that happen we’ve invited thousands of young people to join a fantastic line up of fringe events right across the North East. Maybe one of them will go on to be a future Mercury Prize shortlisted artist themselves.
“That’s all part of our programme to invest in helping people build careers and dream big in creative industries whether that’s music or much else besides.”