Newcastle City Council has released a report detailing the economic and cultural effects of hosting the Mercury Prize in the city in October 2025. The event, which took place at the Utilita Arena, saw local musician Sam Fender take home the top award. The ceremony was broadcast by BBC Music and streamed internationally.
Alongside the main awards, a fringe programme delivered cultural events attended by 8,367 people. These activities provided local creatives with a platform and offered inspiration to young people across the North East. The programme extended its reach to towns and venues beyond Newcastle, creating benefits across the region.
Nearly 8,000 visitors attended Mercury-related events, generating £874,724 in spending and adding £552,868 GVA to the regional economy. The events also supported the equivalent of 13 jobs.
The fringe programme offered work experience to 35 local residents and involved 68 children in Mini Mercury. The children participated in workshops and formed a choir, performing Sam Fender’s People Watching at St James Park, the Tyneside Cinema Fringe event, and Newcastle Central Station when the LNER Mercury Express Train arrived with judges and artists.
Cllr Karen Kilgour, Leader of Newcastle City Council, emphasised the wider significance of hosting the awards, stating: “Hosting the Mercury Prize was about more than music – it was about showcasing the incredible talent and culture of the Newcastle city region. We had already shown with the MOBOs that we knew how to host a worldwide event and us Geordies delivered once again with the Mercury Prize.”
Kilgour also praised the economic and educational impact of the event: “The figures speak for themselves, whether that be boosting our economy or providing legitimate career opportunities for our residents, the Mercury Prize and fringe events had an incredible impact. I am proud that we are establishing Newcastle as the cultural heartbeat of the North.”
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness highlighted the inspirational effect of the events, saying: “The North East has proven time and time again that we know how to throw a party, and are capable of putting on memorable events. But bringing the Mercury Prize here was bigger than the star-studded nominees – it was about inspiring and showcasing a new generation of talent in our region.”
The Mercury Prize, which recognises the best new British and Irish albums, reached a global audience of 1.6 billion through media coverage, social media, and broadcasts. 2025 marked the first year the awards had left London, supported by Newcastle City Council and The North East Combined Authority.
Fringe events across the North East were led by Generator, a Newcastle-based music development agency, with support from the city council and combined authority.
Dr Jo Twist OBE, BPI CEO, and YolanDa Brown OBE DL, artist and BPI Chair, said: “This report shows how music’s power to bring people and communities together can also deliver significant economic and cultural benefits. The Mercury Prize 2025, with its engaging fringe activity, was a joyful occasion celebrating brilliant albums by British and Irish artists and embraced by fans and residents to give the city and region a huge boost.”
Mick Ross, CEO at Generator, added: “By designing and delivering the fringe programme, we made sure this moment created real opportunities – for local artists, for young people, and for the wider music economy. When you invest properly in music and creative infrastructure, the economic return follows. This is about proving the North has the infrastructure, talent and ambition to deliver at a world-class level.”
