Purpose

To accept a grant from the North East Combined
Authority contributing £250,000 towards the total cost of
hosting the Mercury Prize in the city, marketing, City Dressing and
Fringe programme throughout Newcastle and the wider North East in
October 2025.

To issue a Grant Funding Agreement to Generator North East Limited
awarding a total of up to £100,000 taken from the
contribution from the North East Combined Authority for the purpose
of producing the Fringe programme throughout Newcastle and the
wider North East in October 2025.

To enter into a contract with Mercury Prize Limited giving
exclusive hosting and sponsorship rights for the Mercury Prize in
2025.

Content

The recommendation is to give authority to the
Assistant Director of Capital Investment and Growth to finalise the
detail and enter into all agreements on behalf of the City Council
in consultation with the Assistant Director Legal Services.