The Mercury Prize has announced its new 2025 host city, Newcastle, in partnership with Newcastle City Council and The North East Combined Authority. The dates for the 2025 event were also announced today.

The shortlist of the twelve ‘Albums of the Year’ will be announced on Wednesday 10th September 2025.

The 2025 Award Show will be held on Thursday 16th October at the Utilita Arena, Newcastle; this marks the first time the event has been held outside of London.

The Award Show will feature live performances from many of the twelve shortlisted artists and the evening will culminate in the announcement of the overall winner of the 2025 Mercury Prize in Newcastle. The Prize’s broadcast partner BBC Music will provide television, digital and radio coverage of the event.

The Mercury Prize recognises the best new British & Irish music, celebrating artistic achievement across an eclectic range of contemporary music genres. As an independent arts prize, it champions the album format, acts a snapshot of the year in music and often provides a major platform for up and coming artists and their musical work. The Prize has been an important milestone in past winners’ journeys, acting as a stepping stone to wider success in the UK and Ireland as well as internationally.

Last year saw English Teacher claim the Prize, and other recent past winners include Ezra Collective, Little Simz, Dave, Wolf Alice, Young Fathers, and more.

(The following info will only be included in the trade media press release) The 2025 Mercury Prize in Newcastle will open for entries on Wednesday 4th June 2025 and will close on Wednesday 25th June 2025. Record labels who have entered albums in previous years will be sent more information ahead of the opening date. Newer record labels wishing to submit albums can email [email protected] to receive more information. Albums by British or Irish artists released between Saturday 13th July 2024 and Friday 29th August 2025 (inclusive) are eligible for entry, although submissions must be received by 25th June 2025.

Newcastle is quickly cementing its place as the cultural heartbeat of the North of England and the arrival of the Mercury Prize in Newcastle marks a landmark moment for the North East’s music sector. With the dynamic collaboration of the BPI, Newcastle City Council, The North East Combined Authority, and music powerhouse Generator, the city is gearing up to host the prestigious Mercury Prize - adding another jewel to its crown of high-profile events.

To celebrate the Mercury Prize, Generator - the North’s leading music development agency and Lead Industry Partner for the Mercury Prize - will coordinate a dynamic, week-long regional fringe programme in the lead up to the awards, celebrating the depth and diversity of Northern talent while creating new opportunities for local artists, venues, and communities.