Best Album of the Year 2016 - Mercury Prize Live

In this hour long programme, Lauren Laverne hosts BBC Four’s Best Album of the Year 2016 - Mercury Prize Live from the awards ceremony at London’s Eventim Apollo.

This year, for the first time, the television programme will feature the announcement of six finalists from the shortlisted 12 albums - one of which has been chosen by public vote and the rest by the panel of judges who selected the shortlist and who will decide the ultimate winner of the Prize tonight. Lauren will introduce performances on stage, and the programme will also reflect back across 25 years of the Mercurys, marking this milestone anniversary of the prestigious Prize, and culminating in the thrilling moment the winner is announced live.

Lauren Laverne says: “This is a brilliantly diverse list of albums vying for the title Mercury Prize ‘Album of the Year’. I’m excited to be involved again this year, revealing the shortlist in my 6 Music show and presenting the Awards live on BBC Four. I can’t wait - it’s going to be a wonderful night of music.”

Prior to the BBC Four programme, BBC Red Button will feature an hour-long show from 8-9pm, fronted by BBC Radio 6 Music presenter, Shaun Keaveny, also at the Awards ceremony. It will showcase the music of all 12 of the shortlisted acts, featuring many of them performing on stage earlier in the evening.

BBC Radio 6 Music will be covering the Mercury Prize live from 7-10pm on the night of the Awards. Presenters Nemone and Tom Ravenscroft will be bringing listeners rolling coverage of the event as the evening unfolds, building up to the moment the winner is announced live on air. And throughout the day, 6 Music will play tracks from previous Mercury Prize winners and celebrate the prize. BBC Music will be offering comprehensive Mercury Prize coverage across the website - at bbc.co.uk/music - and via the BBC Music app.

Publicity contact: KA