Laverne, from Sunderland, has hosted the awards before and is a champion of the North East music scene.
Music agency Generator is organising the fringe events, which will span all seven council areas of the North East Combined Authority and will provide opportunities for local talent.
Running from 9 to 15 October, live gigs, workshops and roundtables will be taking place at The Glasshouse in Gateshead, Pop Recs in Sunderland, Queen's Hall Arts in Hexham, and World Headquarters and the Tyneside Cinema in Newcastle.
