Mini Mercury x First Gigs puts young North East artists on The Grove stage

The Mini Mercury x First Gigs showcase is putting the next generation of North East artists on stage at The Grove in Newcastle on Sunday 18 October 2026.

Three selected musicians aged between 12 and 18 will perform as part of the Mercury Prize Fringe, but the event goes further than simply handing over a stage slot. The young artists will get first-hand experience of how a professional live show comes together, from preparation and technical advancing through to soundcheck and the final performance.

Mini Mercury x First Gigs at The Grove

The Generator listing makes the development side of the event a big part of the idea. The performers will work alongside venue staff and sound engineers, so they can see what happens around a gig as well as what happens once the lights go down. For artists still at the very start of their live journey, that practical experience can be just as useful as the set itself.

The full line-up has not yet been announced, and that is worth keeping clear rather than filling the gaps too early. What is confirmed is that the three performers will all come from the North East and will be aged 12 to 18. It gives the Fringe programme a genuinely grassroots element and creates space for artists who would not usually find themselves part of a week tied to one of the biggest prizes in British music.

The show takes place from noon until 3pm at The Grove. Like the other live gigs in the Mercury Prize Fringe programme, it operates on a Pay As You Feel basis, with contributions going back to participating venues. Advance booking is still required.

Mini Mercury x First Gigs
Date: Sunday 18 October 2026
Time: 12pm–3pm
Venue: The Grove, Newcastle
Line-up: Three selected North East musicians aged 12–18; names to be announced
Tickets: Pay As You Feel; advance booking required

Check the official Generator listing for the final line-up and any updates before travelling.