A trumpeter with strong Hexham connections is competing for one of British music’s biggest prizes tonight, as Newcastle jazz group Knats goes up against major names including Paul McCartney, Olivia Dean and RAYE for the 2026 Mercury Prize.
Ferg Kilsby, who attended St Joseph's Middle School and Queen Elizabeth High School in Hexham, is part of the band shortlisted for Album of the Year with its second record, A Great Day in Newcastle.
Knats to perform at Newcastle ceremony
The winner will be announced at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle tonight, Thursday, October 22. Knats are also due to perform a track from their nominated album during the ceremony.
Kilsby joined Newcastle childhood friends Stan Woodward and King David-Ike Elechi after they discovered videos of the Hexham trumpeter playing on YouTube. Together, the group has developed a distinctive sound described as Geordie jazz.
An album rooted in the North East
Released in May, A Great Day in Newcastle draws heavily on the band’s North East roots. Its tracks explore the region’s history, communities and working-class life, including Wor Jackie, a song inspired by Newcastle United legend and former miner Jackie Milburn.
Knats face competition from Florence + The Machine, Dave, South Shields star JADE and the other shortlisted artists. The 12-record shortlist also includes the albums of Olivia Dean, RAYE and Paul McCartney.
The awards are being held in Newcastle for the second consecutive year. Last year’s prize went to North Shields-born Sam Fender for People Watching. This year’s overall winner will be chosen by an independent judging panel, with the ceremony organisers presenting the award as recognition of achievement across a wide range of contemporary music.