Overview
- Judge Sian Eleri said the album stood out for its cohesion, character and ambition, calling it a classic in the making.
- Fender dedicated the award to his late friend and mentor Annie Orwin, who inspired the title track.
- The result defied betting expectations, with CMAT widely tipped to win and Fender ranked only around eighth before the show.
- Lauren Laverne hosted at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena, with live performances from nominees including FKA twigs, Pulp, Wolf Alice and Martin Carthy.
- The Mercury Prize awards £25,000 to the winner and is decided by an independent judging panel chaired by Jeff Smith.