Sam Fender among Mercury Prize performers

Sam Fender, a popular musician from North Shields, is set to perform live at this year's Mercury Prize ceremony after his album was nominated for the prestigious award. The Mercury Prize is one of the most respected music awards in the UK, and this year, for the first time, the event will be held at Newcastle's Utilita Arena on October 16. The ceremony will be hosted by Lauren Laverne, a well-known BBC Radio 6 Music presenter from Sunderland, and will be broadcast by the BBC, bringing national attention to the city and its music scene.

Fender is among 12 artists who have been shortlisted for the best British or Irish album of the past year. The list includes Emma-Jean Thackray, FKA twigs, Jacob Alon, Joe Webb, Martin Carthy, Pa Salieu, Pulp, and Wolf Alice, all of whom will perform one track from their nominated albums during the ceremony. Karen Kilgour, the leader of Newcastle City Council, expressed her excitement about the event, saying it highlights what Newcastle is capable of and will showcase the city's growing music industry, talented musicians, and impressive venues to a wider audience.

In the week leading up to the Mercury Prize, the city will host the Mercury Prize Newcastle Fringe, organized by music agency Generator. Starting on October 9, the Fringe will feature workshops, industry events, and performances from local artists, as well as a choir of children aged eight to twelve from seven local authority areas. North East Mayor Kim McGuinness praised Sam Fender's success and emphasized her desire to see more local talent recognized on a national stage. To support the event, London North Eastern Railway will provide a special named service to transport judges and guests to the arena, and Newcastle's Fenwick department store will create bespoke window displays featuring the 12 nominated albums and host two events as part of the Fringe.

The Mercury Prize is unique because it rewards artistic achievement rather than commercial success, which sets it apart from awards like the Brit Awards. The winner is chosen by a panel of industry experts. The first Mercury Prize was awarded in 1992 to Primal Scream, and last year, Leeds band English Teacher took home the trophy. PJ Harvey is the only artist to have won the prize twice, in 2001 and 2011. This year's shortlist includes albums by CMAT, Emma-Jean Thackray, FKA twigs, Fontaines D. C. , Jacob Alon, Joe Webb, Martin Carthy, Pa Salieu, PinkPantheress, Pulp, Sam Fender, and Wolf Alice. The Mercury Prize ceremony promises to be a major event for Newcastle, shining a spotlight on the city's vibrant music community and the outstanding artists competing for the award.