RAYE, Florence and Olivia Dean to Perform at Mercury Prize

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The line-up for the 2026 Mercury Prize ceremony is set. RAYE , Florence + The Machine, Olivia Dean , JADE and Suede are among the shortlisted artists who will perform when the prize is presented at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle on Thursday, October 22. The organisers announced the performers on September 30. Each act will play one track from their nominated "Album of the Year". Who is performing The confirmed performers are Dove Ellis, Florence + The Machine, JADE, Knats, Kojey Radical, Nia Archives , Olivia Dean, RAYE and Suede. Pulp will perform on behalf of War Child Records' compilation HELP(2). NME notes that Pulp contributed "Begging For Change" to that record, with an all-star choir featuring Damon Albarn, Grian Chatten, Kae Tempest and Carl Barât. Dave and Paul McCartney will not perform. Instead, short films will celebrate their nominated albums during the ceremony. The 12-album shortlist 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) NME describes JADE's album as her solo debut. Knats are the hometown nominees, and the Fringe includes an evening with them at the John Marley Centre. The judges An independent panel of music industry figures curates the shortlist and picks the winner on the night. The 2026 judges are AFRODEUTSCHE, Danielle Perry, Jamie Cullum, Jeff Smith, Lea Brook, MistaJam, Phil Alexander, Sian Eleri, Sophie Williams and Will Hodgkinson. Jeff Smith, head of music at Radio 2 and 6 Music, chairs the panel. Key facts Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026 Venue: Utilita Arena, Newcastle Shortlist: 12 albums Live performances: 10 (including Pulp for HELP(2)) Short films: Dave and Paul McCartney Broadcast partner: BBC Music Fringe: October 15–22, more than 30 events Newcastle again This is the second year running that the prize has been staged in Newcastle, in partnership with Newcastle City Council. NME points out that 2025 was the first time the event had moved outside London, and that hometown star Sam Fender won for People Watching. Fender later donated the £25,000 prize money to the Music Venue Trust, NME adds, highlighting the financial pressure facing grassroots venues. The Mercury Prize describes itself as an independent arts prize that champions the album format and recognises the best new British and Irish music. Recent winners named by the organisers include English Teacher, Ezra Collective, Little Simz, Dave, Wolf Alice and Young Fathers. The Fringe The Mercury Prize Fringe returns from October 15 to 22 with its biggest programme yet: more than 30 events across Newcastle, including live performances, listening parties, screenings, workshops and talks. Highlights include the premiere of Sam Fender: Live At London Stadium at the Tyneside Cinema and Mini Mercury x First Gigs at The Grove. Inside the shortlist The 12 albums were revealed on Thursday, July 30, on BBC Radio 6 Music and BBC Sounds by Jamz Supernova. Official Charts notes that the list includes two past winners: Suede, who won in 1993 with their self-titled debut, and Dave, who won in 2019 with Psychodrama. The prize's shortlist page adds detail on several records. RAYE's THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE., her second album, came out in March on Human Re Sources and debuted at No. 1 in the UK, with singles including "WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!" and "Click Clack Symphony" featuring Hans Zimmer. Paul McCartney's The Boys of Dungeon Lane, his 19th solo studio album, was co-produced with Andrew Watt and also debuted at No. 1. Nia Archives' Emotional Junglist, released in July on Island Records, includes "Get Me Down" featuring Jorja Smith. Knats' A Great Day In Newcastle was produced by Geordie Greep, and HELP(2), executive produced by James Ford, was mainly recorded at Abbey Road Studios. What's next The last remaining tickets are available through the Utilita Arena, and BBC Music will cover the ceremony. Dave, RAYE, Olivia Dean and Nia Archives also go into the awards season with nominations at the Urban Music Awards in December. Follow more UK music on Entzopedia. Sources: Mercury Prize | NME | Mercury Prize shortlist | Official Charts