Dove Ellis among 2026 Mercury Prize Album of the Year performances announced for awards show

Dove Ellis has been announced as one of the Album Of The Year performers during the 2026 Mercury Prize awards ceremony. The Galway folk artist is nominated for his debut album Blizzard, released in December 2025.

He also featured on another nominated album, HELP(2) - a collaboration project released in aid of War Child - appearing on the track 'Sunday Light'.

The musician has a number of upcoming UK and Ireland shows, dates include Brighton (October 23 and 24), Glasgow (November 26), and London (December 8).

He will finish the run of shows by performing in Dublin's Vicar Street on December 12.

Other musicians taking to the stage include Florence + The Machine, RAYE, Olivia Dean, and Paul McCartney.

Each performer will play one song from their nominated album, the show will be held on Thursday, October 22, at the Utilita Arena, Newcastle. The event will conclude with the announcement of the overall Mercury Prize winner.

The judging panel for 2026 features prominent industry names such as AFRODEUTSCHE (Composer, DJ & 6 Music & Radio 3 Unwind Broadcaster); Danielle Perry (broadcaster and musician); Jeff Smith (Head of Music for Radio 2 and 6 Music) and Phil Alexander (Creative Director for Kerrang! and Contributing Editor for MOJO).

Sam Fender won the 2025 Mercury Prize, past winners include Ezra Collective, Little Simz, and Wolf Alice.

Check out the full list of nominess for 'Album of the Year' below:

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)