2026 Mercury Prize

The Mercury Prize promotes the best of UK and Irish music and the artists who produce it. This is done through the celebration of the 12 'Albums of the Year', recognising artistic achievement across an eclectic range of contemporary music genres.

The 12 shortlisted albums are:

Dave - 'The Boy Who Played the Harp'
Dove Ellis - 'Blizzard'
Florence and 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)'

The main objectives of the Prize are to recognise and celebrate artistic achievement, provide a snapshot of the year in music and to help introduce new albums from a range of music genres to a wider audience.

Please note: because of existing touring commitments some of these artists may not be available to play live at the Arena in October.