The Mercury Prize has announced its new sponsor, FREE NOW – the leading mobility services provider.

The Mercury Prize with FREE NOW has also announced the dates for 2022.

The shortlist of the twelve ‘Albums of the Year’ will be announced on Thursday, 28 July 2022.

The 2022 Awards Show will be held at the Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith on Thursday, 8 September 2022. The event will feature live performances from many of the twelve shortlisted artists. The evening will culminate in the announcement of the overall winner of the 2022 Mercury Prize for Album of the Year.

The Prize’s broadcast partner BBC Music will be providing television and radio coverage of the event.

The Mercury Prize recognises the best new British & Irish music, celebrating artistic achievement across an eclectic range of contemporary music genres.

FREE NOW, Europe’s number 1 Mobility Super App, with the largest vehicle choice for consumers across Europe, is the new headline sponsor of the Mercury Prize, a deal brokered by big group. The sponsorship is part of a multi-year commitment from FREE NOW to support British music.

As part of its ongoing commitment to support UK recorded music, renowned British audio brand, Bowers & Wilkins, will continue as the official audio partner of the Mercury Prize. At the forefront of music creation for over 40 years, it is uniquely placed to help the Mercury Prize celebrate the album format and the shortlisted artists’ creative achievements.

The 2022 Mercury Prize will open for entries on Thursday, 14 April 2022 and will close at 6pm on Thursday, 5 May 2022. Record labels wishing to submit albums can email entries@mercuryprize.co.uk to receive more information.

Albums by British or Irish artists released between Saturday 17 July 2021 and Friday 15 July 2022 (inclusive) are eligible for entry, although submissions must be received by 5 May 2022.