Presented by Newcastle City Council and the BPI, and programmed by Northern music agency Generator, the Fringe aims to highlight North East musical talent through live performances, workshops, listening parties, and industry panels.
The 2026 programme includes a special screening of Sam Fender’s 2025 London Stadium show at the Tyneside Cinema on 17th October, featuring a panel discussion on his artistic development. That same day, World Headquarters founder Tommy Caulker will host an event at Public House HiFi, while acoustic sets will take place at Grainger Market.
Youth development events feature prominently, including ‘Mini Mercury x First Gigs’ at The Grove on 18th October, giving musicians aged 12–18 performance experience. On 19th October, BBC Introducing Live visits The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, headlined by Sunderland artist Tom A. Smith. Shortlisted group Knats will also host a homecoming listening party and discussion at the John Marley Centre on 20th October.
Additionally, Generator will host a free industry conference at the Crowne Plaza on 21st October, featuring 14 sessions covering audience development, songwriting, and music careers, including a session led by BBC Introducing hosts Shakk Hashemi and Kelly Betts.
Adam MacDonald, Project Manager at Generator, commented: “Last year, we headed into the unknown with the creation of the first-ever Mercury Fringe, and the response from music lovers and the wider music industry across the North East completely blew us away. This year we’ve taken that energy and built on it.”
Dr Jo Twist OBE, CEO of the BPI, added: “Newcastle is a true music city, and we’re grateful to its incredible music ecosystem for welcoming the Mercury Prize.”
Full event details and ticketing information are available via generator.org.uk/mercuryprizefringe.
