With the shortlist for the Mercury Prize set to be revealed next week at a later date than usual, speculation now turns to who’ll make the final cut – including some acclaimed records released more recently.The shortlist for the Mercury Prize is usually revealed in mid-to-late July, celebrating the best albums released by British and irish artists over the last 12 months.
though, this year the 12 albums shall be shared at a ceremony in London on the morning on Wednesday September 10.
[Image of Mercury Prize Award for 2025. CREDIT: Press]
As a result, this year’s period of eligibility for albums is over a month longer, with the records needing to have been released between Saturday July 13, 2024, and Friday August 29, 2025.
Acclaimed albums released at the start of this period include Soft Play’s ‘Heavy Jelly’, Beabadoobee’s ‘This Is How Tomorrow Moves’, Hamish Hawk’s ‘A Firmer Hand’ and ‘Romance’ by Fountains DC. Releases in the last month that could be likely to make an appearance on the shortlist but would normally have otherwise appeared the following year include ‘Euro-Country’ by Cmat,’The Clearing’ by Wolf Alice and For Those I Love’s ‘Carving the Stone’.
Other eligible British and Irish albums that could make the cut include The cure’s ‘Songs of a Lost World’.
BRIT Awards Expand Beyond London: Newcastle to Host 2024 Ceremony, Manchester Secures 2026 & 2027 Events
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the BRIT Awards are undergoing a significant shift, extending their reach beyond London for the first time in decades. newcastle will host a special BRITs ceremony in 2024,while Manchester has been confirmed as the host city for the full awards show in both 2026 and 2027. These moves signal a commitment to celebrating music talent across the UK and fostering regional growth.
Newcastle to Host Inaugural Regional BRITs Ceremony in 2024
Newcastle will play host to a brits ceremony on October 16th at the Utilita Arena, marking the first time the awards have been held in the city. This event is part of a new partnership between the BRIT awards, Newcastle City Council, and the North East Combined Authority.The ceremony will be preceded by a week-long regional fringe program designed to showcase the “depth and diversity of talent in the north and create opportunities for local talent.” Details of the fringe programme are expected to be announced in the coming months. This initiative aims to amplify the voices of artists and music industry professionals outside of the traditional London hub.
Historic Move: BRIT Awards Head to Manchester in 2026 & 2027
In an even more significant development, the BRIT Awards will leave London entirely for the 2026 and 2027 ceremonies, relocating to Manchester. This marks the first time in the awards’ history that the main show will be held outside of the capital. NME first reported the news,confirming a multi-year deal with Manchester City Council.
The decision to move the BRITs to Manchester reflects a broader strategy to decentralize the music industry and invest in regional economies. Manchester has a rich musical heritage and a thriving contemporary music scene, making it a fitting location for the prestigious awards.
Why the Shift? A Focus on Regional Investment and Talent
The BRIT Awards’ expansion beyond London is driven by several factors. A key aim is to broaden access to the awards and the associated opportunities for artists and industry professionals across the UK. By taking the event to different regions, organizers hope to inspire and nurture local talent, and to demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity.
Furthermore, the move is expected to provide a significant economic boost to the host cities. The BRIT Awards generate significant revenue through tourism, hospitality, and media coverage.
Looking Ahead
The relocation of the BRIT Awards represents a pivotal moment for the UK music industry.The 2024 Newcastle ceremony will serve as a pilot for future regional events, while the Manchester hosting deal promises to establish a new tradition for the awards. this shift is likely to encourage greater regional investment in music and culture, and to foster a more diverse and vibrant music landscape across the country.
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