Zerox spotlights three North East acts for Mercury Prize Fringe

The Zerox Mercury Prize Fringe showcase brings three North East artists together in Newcastle on Sunday 18 October 2026, with Esau, Cortney Dixon and LJ Adams all on the bill.

Generator describes the night as a spotlight on some of the region’s most exciting emerging acts, and the line-up backs that up with three very different corners of the local scene. Esau arrives with a genre-defying approach, Cortney Dixon brings glam-pop energy, while LJ Adams is already known through projects including The Safest Place and Chintzy Stetson.

Zerox Mercury Prize Fringe showcase line-up

Putting the three together gives the event a wider shape than a straight genre night. Instead, the focus is on artists who are developing distinctive identities in and around Newcastle. That fits Zerox well, with the venue already closely tied to the city’s independent music community and emerging acts.

The showcase is also one of the clearest examples of the Fringe using the Mercury Prize week to point attention back towards the North East itself. While the main awards bring national attention to Newcastle, this event keeps the emphasis firmly local, giving three artists a platform in front of audiences already moving around the city for the wider programme.

The official Generator page does not currently publish a start time, so SoundBite is not adding one until it is confirmed. Tickets are available through the booking link on the official listing, and the wider Fringe live programme is Pay As You Feel, with contributions returning to participating venues.

Zerox Showcase
Date: Sunday 18 October 2026
Venue: Zerox, Newcastle
Line-up: Esau, Cortney Dixon and LJ Adams
Tickets: Pay As You Feel; advance booking required

Check the official Generator listing for booking information, timings and any updates before travelling.