Artist Sam Fender will be one of the performers at this year’s Mercury Prize ceremony after being shortlisted.
It is the first time the prestigious music industry awards, which are taking place at the Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on 16 October, will be held outside of London.
The 2025 edition will be hosted by BBC Radio 6 Music’s Lauren Laverne, from Sunderland, and be broadcast by the BBC.
Fender, from North Shields, is one of 12 artists shortlisted for the best British or Irish album of the past year, including Emma-Jean Thackray, FKA twigs, Jacob Alon, Joe Webb, Martin Carthy, Pa Salieu, Pulp, and Wolf Alice, for the live performances.