Coventry-born rapper Pa Salieu, who is also Mercury-nominated for his latest album Afrikan Alien, says the change was long overdue.
“I always heard of Mercury, growing up, but it seemed so far away, out of reach,” he says.
“So I think the Mercury Prize should be in Coventry, in Birmingham. It should move like a tour. Let the youth feel heard.”
In Newcastle, the build-up to the ceremony has included a week of fringe events, including concerts from local artists and workshops for newcomers looking for their break.
Among the performers is 29-year-old Finn Forster, from Teesside, who’s gone from playing pubs to supporting Stereophonics on their recent European tour.
He says he’s “super grateful for how much the music industry is taking a step outside of London and the major cities”.
“The north-east has been overlooked for so long,” he says. “Everyone’s incredibly proud about the fact the Mercury is coming – and there’s such a high calibre of people performing at the fringe.”
Thursday’s ceremony will be held at the Utilita Arena, hosted by Sunderland native Lauren Laverne, with performances from nine of the 12 nominees.