Mercury Fringe 2026: Celebrating Music, Creativity, and Community in the North East
October in the North East is no ordinary month—it’s a full-scale celebration. With the Mercury Prize Awards returning to Newcastle for a second year, our region will be shining in the national spotlight.
Rising to the occasion, Generator— the North’s leading champion of music and creativity—presents Mercury Fringe: a high-energy week of gigs, collaborations, and cultural events that capture the city’s true spirit. It’s set to be an unmissable moment for artists, fans, and the whole community.
Ahead of the Mercury Fringe launch on 15th October 2026, we caught up with Generator’s North East Project Manager, Adam Macdonald, for an inside look at what’s in store.
As the Mercury Fringe fast approaches, Adam, can you share how preparations are shaping up for this exciting celebration of Newcastle’s vibrant music and creative scene?
It’s been a hive of activity! Things have ramped up even more over the past week, and the energy is building. We’re absolutely ready to welcome everyone to what promises to be an electrifying week of music and creativity.
With so many incredible events happening throughout the week, the awards night almost becomes a bonus! We’re truly overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response—not just from our local music community, but also from supporters and music lovers across the country.
Over the past few months, we’ve been hard at work preparing the Generator Live conference. The response has been fantastic—it’s clear that Newcastle’s music scene is earning national attention, and people across the UK are starting to take our city seriously as a creative hub.
How does it feel to be at the centre of the Fringe events?
It’s fantastic to see Generator at the heart of the Mercury Fringe, but this celebration is truly a collective achievement. The Fringe is only possible because of the incredible people, venues, community groups, artists, and the unsung heroes behind the scenes—music hubs, youth facilitators, managers, A&Rs, promoters, and so many others who work tirelessly each day to make Newcastle’s creative landscape so vibrant.
While Generator has played a leading role in curating this week, the Mercury Fringe is a true reflection of our diverse local music scene. We’ve made it a priority to shine a light on all the unique genres and pockets of creativity that make Newcastle’s scene so special, ensuring every voice feels heard and celebrated.
What excites you most about the North East music scene at the moment, aside from Mercury?
That’s a great question! What excites me most is witnessing how our region is truly coming together. There’s a genuine sense of support and camaraderie—we all have each other’s backs and are united by a shared passion for music and creativity. Everyone involved, whether in music or the wider creative sector, pours their heart into their work, and the Fringe is really a celebration of the inspiring things happening every single day in Newcastle.
It’s inspiring to see Newcastle and the wider region developing—supporting emerging artists and making it possible for those working behind the scenes to thrive here. Of course, we face challenges; the grassroots sector is under pressure, with venues closing and promoters working hard to keep the scene alive. I’ve been there myself as a former club promoter, and I know how tough it can be. But there’s a spirit here that keeps us going.
Despite the challenges facing the UK—like the cost of living crisis—I truly believe our region is coming together stronger than ever. We’re celebrating everything that makes our music and creative scene so remarkable, and that sense of unity is something to be proud of.
So, with the Generator Live conference as part of the programme, what key themes did you want to keep front and centre in the conversation?
Absolutely! I’ve had the privilege of programming our conferences for the past few years, and while previous years have been successful, this year my focus was on creating meaningful knowledge exchange. We’ve worked hard to blend local and national voices, truly showcasing the diversity of music and culture in our region. By bringing experts, thought leaders, and key figures from across the music industry to Newcastle, we’re fostering an environment of learning and connection.
Sharing knowledge isn’t just about the panels—it’s about the real connections that happen throughout the event. One of my favourite things about Generator Live is seeing artists chat with panellists and get valuable advice, or witnessing business and creative collaborations spark between people who have just met. The event is a catalyst for genuine opportunities.
It’s something truly special to see Generator Live act as a facilitator for these connections, bringing together such a rich mix of local and national talent. This year, we’ve made sure to include not only business and policy discussions, but also sessions focused on artist development. We have panels on building your audience beyond streaming, featuring brilliant voices like Lucy Fletcher from Warner Music and local talent like Lizzie Esau, who’s leading the way in audience growth.
We’re excited to feature BBC Introducing panels, where artists like Tom A. Smith, Jenna Cole, Macy Grace, and Shak—alongside host Kelly Betts—will take centre stage. There’s also an in-depth discussion on the art of songwriting, hosted by Chad Rogers and featuring acclaimed talents L Devine and Jaws. It’s a privilege to provide a platform for such inspiring voices and to showcase the depth of talent in our scene.
What’s really special about the conference is how it goes beyond just listening to panels or talks. Whether you’re an artist, an industry professional, or a passionate fan, you’ll find opportunities to connect, collaborate, and unlock your own potential. We want every attendee to leave feeling inspired and empowered—not just with new ideas, but with real connections and the motivation to take the next step in their creative journey.
That’s a great point—this year, we’re making it even easier for people to connect and keep the conversation going. We’re offering one-on-one music industry advice sessions, bookable through our website, with a diverse range of advisors from our music industry advisory group. It’s all about giving attendees the chance to get tailored guidance and support.
We’re also running A&R listening sessions, where industry professionals will give honest, practical feedback on your music and advice on next steps—whether that’s reaching a wider audience or working towards a record deal.
Opportunities like these are rare, but we’re committed to making sure their impact lasts well beyond the conference itself. Even though Generator Live is just one day, Generator offers music industry advice and support year-round. It’s also a fantastic way to meet other artists and build lasting connections—something we believe is essential for a thriving creative scene.
Opportunities like these bring together people of all ages and backgrounds—artists, aspiring industry professionals, and music lovers alike. The Mercury Fringe creates a welcoming space for authentic, organic networking and connection across the entire creative community.
Having come from a promoter background yourself to now, like, being on this side of the table, so to speak, how have you found, what are some of the positive improvements that you've seen that have come as being part of the North East in recent years?
Absolutely. My roots are in club promotion—I still do it from time to time—and it’s given me a deep respect for grassroots promoters and venues. They take on so much financial and creative risk to give artists a stage, and every big success starts in these intimate spaces. That’s always been at the heart of how we’ve approached programming the Mercury Fringe: it’s about celebrating not just the artists on stage, but also the people and places making it all possible.
We wanted to find a way to truly celebrate the everyday brilliance within our city. That’s why we’ve partnered with Newcastle’s outstanding promoters, giving them the platform to curate their own gigs and showcase the unique sounds and pockets of Newcastle’s music scene. This approach has resulted in an incredibly diverse programme, and while Generator has helped drive the Fringe, it’s the venues and promoters who are making it all happen—giving grassroots artists the opportunity to shine.
One of the things I love most about the Fringe is how it brings music directly to the people—like with the Grainger Market UnPlugged sessions. While some are regular gig-goers, many might not even be aware of Newcastle’s thriving music scene. By curating live performances right in the heart of the market, we’re reaching new listeners and inviting everyone to discover something special.
Granger Market is truly one of the city’s most iconic spaces. Its recent renovation has infused it with fresh energy, making it the perfect setting for spontaneous live music. Shoppers can stumble across a performance while picking up groceries, connecting with the music in a way they never expected. It’s a wonderful example of how the Fringe is designed to be inclusive and accessible, breaking down barriers between artists and audiences.
My hope is that someone who’s never been to a gig before might be inspired to visit a grassroots venue after experiencing a pop-up set at the market. There’s something magical about that first spark of connection with live music—and who knows, the next passionate fan could be someone who just happened to walk by. Ultimately, we want the Fringe to open doors, create new audiences, and celebrate Newcastle's incredible talent.
I know it's like kind of like trying to choose a favourite child, but what is your favourite grassroots venue?
That’s a tough question! Cobalt Studios holds a special place in my heart—I've hosted events there and experienced everything from intimate gigs to vibrant late-night club nights. But truly, every grassroots venue in Newcastle brings something unique to the table. It’s this diversity and distinct character that make our city’s music scene so dynamic and exciting.
When it came to curating the programme for this year's Fringe, what were, I guess, your top priorities in terms of what you wanted to include, and also deciding what to save for a future point
This year, we really went back to the drawing board. Last year’s Mercury Fringe spanned the whole North East region, but with City Council funding this year, we focused all our events in Newcastle. Being a compact city means we can do so many creative things in a concentrated space, and that’s opened up fantastic opportunities to showcase a wide variety of events.
Our top priority was to spotlight not just the artists, but also the people behind the scenes who make everything possible. That’s why we’ve organised sessions featuring creative talents like Jimmy Turrell—whose artwork has graced world-renowned albums—and given a platform to emerging artists aged 12 to 18, helping them gain confidence and experience performing live.
We’re thrilled to be partnering with Tyneside Cinema for two standout events: one delves into the art and storytelling behind songs and music videos, highlighting creative expressions that reach beyond standard gigs or workshops. This year’s programme is more diverse than ever. We’ve also joined forces with Miso, the celebrated Japanese restaurant in Ouseburn, which will transform into a club night for one evening. The night features artists like Santa Leticia in Lidelius from Worldwide FM, offering a lively mix of Latin, jazz, and broken beats.
It’s amazing to have such a variety of experiences on offer! I’m also really excited about Knats in Conversation at the John Morley Centre—a special event celebrating a homegrown West End Newcastle band and their latest album.
Well, it's been a pleasure chatting to you, Adam. So for anyone coming to the Fringe event, what's the best way to make the most of it, of the opportunity that's happening right on our doorstep?
Absolutely! While some gigs have already sold out, there are still plenty of ways to get involved—whether that’s attending events, catching pop-up performances, or joining in on the excitement throughout the city.
If you’re near Grainger Market, I highly recommend stopping by to experience spontaneous live music as you explore. And if you’re curious about the future of music and culture in Newcastle, the Generator Live conference is a must-attend event.
It promises to be an extraordinary day, full of inspiring local and national talent—and a fantastic chance to meet new people and grow your creative network.
Whether you’re a devoted gig-goer, an emerging artist, a behind-the-scenes creative, or simply curious about what makes Newcastle’s cultural landscape unique, Mercury Fringe invites everyone to take part. Expect electrifying performances, meaningful connections, and opportunities to discover something new, all set against the backdrop of a city coming together in celebration.
For more information about the full programme visit generator.org.uk/mercuryprizefringe
Article By Thushara S. Chandrasiri
