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Getting to the 2026 Mercury Prize

On track with LNER, the Official Travel Partner

      Journey with us to Newcastle

      The Mercury Prize shines a spotlight on the twelve ‘Albums of the Year’, celebrating the most exciting music albums released in the last year across the UK and Ireland. This October, the awards will return to Newcastle for the second year and will be hosted at Utilita Arena. 

      As proud partners, LNER will be transporting the judges and shortlisted artists to the awards ceremony in style – setting the tone for a showstopping evening. Here are the artists and albums in the running: 

      • Dave – The Boy Who Played the Harp

      • Dove Ellis – Blizzard

      • Florence + the Machine – Everybody Scream

      • JADE – That's Showbiz Baby!

      • Knats – A Great Day In Newcastle

      • Kojey Radical – Don't Look Down

      • Nia Archives – Emotional Junglist

      • Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving

      • Paul McCartney – The Boys of Dungeon Lane

      • RAYE – This Music May Contain Hope

      • Suede – Antidepressants

      • War Child Records – HELP(2)

      Expect incredible live performances and unforgettable moments as the night honours groundbreaking talent. 

      How to get to 2026 Mercury Prize

      The 2026 Mercury Prize will be held at Utilita Arena in Newcastle, just a 12 minute walk from Newcastle station. 

      With over 3 trains running each hour from London to Newcastle, you can travel to Newcastle in style and comfort all the way. Even better, you can spend your journey planning your outfit, checking out great places to eat, or just close your eyes, headphones on and choose your own best album of the year. 

      Plan your trip to Newcastle

      Go by train and relax!

      • Pick your train seats​

        Choose your train seats, including which direction you would like to travel in.

        Pick your seat

      • Eat at your seat​

        Eat warm delicious food brought right to your seat.

        Eat at your seat

      • Group train travel savings​

        Travel with friends and book together and save 20%.

        Group train travel savings

      • Park your car at the station​

        Get there hassle free, leave your car at the station and avoid those motorway jams.

        Park your car at the station

      • Eco-friendly travel​

        With 70% less CO2 emissions than travelling by car, trains are the responsible way to travel.

        Eco-friendly travel

      • Get £5 free​

        Join LNER Perks to receive £5 joining credit, plus 2% cashback for every journey.

        Join LNER Perks