"It's an absolute honour and it's amazing it's happened up here, for the first time outside of London," Fender said of his win tonight in Newcastle
The winner will be announced this week in Newcastle
Earlier this year, Clairo was praised by Bernie Sanders for her ardent support of Gaza, and now joins the likes of Lorde and Hayley Williams in adding her name to the cause
Sam Fender, Pulp, FKA Twigs, Jacob Alon and five more nominees are set to take to the stage at the Utilita Arena on October 16
Drummer Joel Amey tells NME about stepping up as National Album Day ambassadors, the beauty of the format, using your platform to speak out, advice for young artists, and the records he can't live without
"There’s no formula, there’s no rules and that’s why it’s so exciting," Wolf Alice's Ellie Rowsell said of the album format. "I hope the romance of the album never dies"
Including tracks by Bruno Mars and Wolf Alice
Other fans were more disappointed by this year's omissions, with one writing: "No Geordie Greep?! No Laura Marling?! Mercury prize you’ve lost your head brother"
This year's ceremony takes place next month in Newcastle
It's the fourth single from the four-piece's latest album 'The Clearing'