2026 Mercury Prize shortlist to be revealed on 30th July

It has been announced today that the shortlist for the 2026 Mercury Prize ‘12 Albums of the Year’ will be revealed on Thursday 30th July.

The Prize returns to host city Newcastle for the second year, in partnership with Newcastle City Council, when the 2026 Awards Show takes place at the Utilita Arena on Thursday 22nd October.

The Mercury Prize ‘12 Albums of the Year’ shortlist is curated by an independent judging panel of music industry professionals who are eternally passionate about spotlighting artistic achievement across a range of genres. Each year, the shortlist 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.

The October Awards 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 2026 Mercury Prize in Newcastle. The Prize’s broadcast partner BBC Music will provide coverage of the event.

Last year saw local hero Sam Fender claim the Prize in front of a sold out crowd, and other recent past winners include English Teacher, Ezra Collective, Little Simz, Dave, Wolf Alice, Young Fathers, and more.