The 2025 Mercury Music Prize Album of the Year shortlist has been revealed, with a number of electronic, rap and dance records up for Britain's biggest new music trophy.
FKA twigs' 'EUSEXUA', Pa Salieu's 'Afrikan Alien' and PinkPatheress' 'Fancy That' have all been nominated. Other names to get a nod include Pulp, Fontaines D.C., CMAT Emma-Jean Thackray, and Wolf Alice.
The ceremony itself is set to take place on Thursday 16th October at the Utilita Arena, Newcastle, and will feature live performances from a number of artists in the running. MistaJam and Jamz Supernova feature on the 10-strong judging panel.
In addition to the awards, northern English music development agency Generator has announced an expansive Mercury Fringe programme. Running from Thursday 9th to Wednesday 15th October, the initiative will involve "established musicians, cultural organisations and music lovers".
Events will be held across the North East, with venues including Queens Hall Arts in Northumberland, Newcastle's World Headquarters and Tyneside Cinema, Pop Recs in Sunderland and Gateshead Glasshouse. Live gigs, workshops, roundtables, panels and a full industry conference will all form part of the diary. You can find more information on this here.