Artists outside London ‘underrepresented on Mercury prize shortlist’

The Newcastle-based band Lanterns on the Lake were nominated in 2020, the only artist on the list from outside southern England. Photograph: PR

Former Mercury prize nominees have said acts outside London are underrepresented in the awards, with 130 more nominees coming from the capital than the next most-shortlisted region over the prize’s 34-year history.

The awards ceremony will take place in Newcastle on Thursday night, the first time it has been held outside London.