Mercury Prize 2026 confirms Florence + The Machine, JADE and RAYE performances

The Mercury Prize has announced its live programme for October 22 at Newcastle's Utilita Arena. Florence + The Machine, JADE, Olivia Dean, RAYE, Suede, Dove Ellis, Knats, Kojey Radical and Nia Archives will perform. Each act will present one song from its nominated album.

Pulp will represent War Child Records' charity compilation HELP(2). Dave and Paul McCartney are not on the live-performance list; short films celebrating their albums will be shown instead. The winner will be revealed at the evening's conclusion, after the judging panel makes its final decision that day.

BBC Music will cover the ceremony. The accompanying Mercury Prize Fringe runs in Newcastle from October 15 to 22, with more than 30 events including concerts, listening sessions, screenings, workshops and talks. Organisers officially announced the performance programme on September 30.