Mercury Music Prize moves to Channel 4

PJ Harvey became the first person to win the Mercury Music Prize twice in 2011

Coverage of the prestigious Mercury Music Prize ceremony will move from BBC Two to Channel 4 and be cut from BBC radio, organisers have announced.

The annual event will also move from the Grosvenor House Hotel in central London to the Roundhouse in Camden.

Mercury Prize managing director Dan Ford said the plans would generate "more interest in the shortlisted artists and albums than ever before".

Elbow, The XX and PJ Harvey have won the Mercury Prize in recent years.

The award, traditionally presented by broadcaster Jools Holland, celebrates the best British or Irish album of the year.

The new four-year agreement also includes a series of gigs around London from the 12 shortlisted acts.

The nominees for this year's prize will be announced on 12 September, with the winner named on 1 November.

BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music controller Bob Shennan said: "We are proud to have supported the Mercury Prize for the past 15 years and wish it the best of luck for the future.

"Mercury nominated artists will continue to be featured regularly across all our platforms outside the prize on radio and television and within festival coverage."