Dolder lead Mercury Prize Fringe showcase at Head of Steam

Dolder headline a Mercury Prize Fringe showcase at The Head of Steam Newcastle on Friday 16 October 2026, with Sarah Johnsone and Georgina Gale joining the bill.

The Liift-presented show forms part of the 2026 Mercury Prize Fringe programme taking place across Newcastle and Gateshead around this year’s awards. Doors are listed for 7.30pm, with the event running until 10.30pm.

Dolder at the Mercury Prize Fringe

The Fatsoma listing confirms Dolder at the top of the bill, with special guests Sarah Johnsone and Georgina Gale also appearing. Rather than operating as a conventional paid headline show, this Fringe date is being run on a Pay As You Feel basis.

That model is part of Newcastle City Council’s support for the Mercury Prize Fringe. The event information explains that contributions from audiences go back to the participating local venues, helping support the spaces hosting the wider programme while keeping entry accessible.

The Head of Steam sits directly opposite Newcastle Central Station on Neville Street and remains one of the city centre’s most familiar small-room live venues. For a Fringe event built around emerging and independent artists, that setting should keep the night close and immediate rather than turning it into a larger showcase format.

The event is listed as 18+. Free-entry tickets on Fatsoma are currently shown as sold out, with the listing also indicating that further ticket availability may be released. Anyone planning to attend should check the official page before travelling rather than assuming walk-up entry.

Dolder, Sarah Johnsone and Georgina Gale play The Head of Steam Newcastle on Friday 16 October 2026 from 7.30pm.

View tickets and event details

Event details were checked against the official Fatsoma listing on 1 October 2026. Availability, running order and timings can change.