We’ll soon know the latest winner of one of the biggest prizes in British (and Irish) music.
The Mercury Prize, formerly called the Mercury Music Prize, was created in 1992 as an alternative to the Brit Awards and is known for its eclectic mix of musical genres.
The first prize was won by Scottish band Primal Scream for their seminal album ‘Screamadelica’, with other Franz Ferdinand and Young Fathers the only other two acts from north of the border to have won since.
Other acts to have won include Arctic Monkeys, Skepta, Dave, Wolf Alice, Ms. Dynamite, Dizzee Rascal, Klaxons, James Blake, Pulp, Elbow, The xx, Suede, and alt-J.
And last year’s winner was Sam Fender for his album People Watching.
PJ Harvey is the only artist to have won the prize twice – for Let England Shake and Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea.
Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s ceremony.
When is the Mercury Prize ceremony?
The ceremony will take place at 9.30pm on Thursday, October 22.
Where is the Mercury Prize ceremony taking place?
The ceremony will this year be held at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena.
Who is hosting the Mercury Prize?
Once again, the ceremony will be hosted by former Kenickie singer, and current Radio 6 Music DJ and One Show presenter, Lauren Laverne.
Who has been nominated for the Mercury Prize 2026?
Here are the contenders this year, in alphabetical order.
- Dave – The Boy Who Played the Harp
- Dove Ellis – Blizzard
- Florence + the Machine – Everybody Scream
- JADE – That’s Showbiz Baby!
- Knats – A Great Day In Newcastle
- Kojey Radical – Don’t Look Down
- Nia Archives – Emotional Junglist
- Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving
- Paul McCartney – The Boys of Dungeon Lane
- RAYE – THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE.
- Suede – Antidepressants
- War Child Records – HELP(2)
Who is elgible for the Mercury Music Prize?
To be eligible for the prize over 50 per cent of a band’s members must be British or Irish, and submissions are made by record labels.
How is the shortlist selected?
The shortlist is chosen “based solely on their musical merit and irrespective of how popular or successful an album or act that has been submitted may have been in the previous calendar year”.
Who judges the Mercury Prize 2026?
The winner will be selected by a team of judges, namely AFRODEUTSCHE (Composer, DJ & Radio 3 Unwind & 6 Music Broadcaster), Danielle Perry (Broadcaster (Absolute Radio & Jazz FM) & Musicia), Jamie Cullum (Musician & Radio 2 Broadcaster), Jeff Smith (Head of Music, Radio 2 & 6 Music), Lea Stonhill (Music Programming Consultant), MistaJam (Songwriter, DJ & Broadcaster), Phil Alexander (Creative Director, Kerrang!/Contributing Editor, MOJO), Sian Eleri (Radio 1 Broadcaster & DJ), Sophie Williams (Music Writer & Broadcaster) and Will Hodgkinson (Chief Rock & Pop Critic, The Times).
What does the winner of the Mercury Prize get?
As well as the trophy, the winner gets a cash prize of £25,000.
Can I watch the Mercury Prize 2026 on television?
The ceremony will be broadcast live on BBC Four and the BBC iPlayer from 9.30pm on Thursday, October 22. You can also listen live on BBC Radio 6 Music.
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