The best of northern music will be honoured at a prestigious ceremony in Manchester in April.
The Nordoff and Robbins Northern Music Awards has been created to recognise and celebrate the best of northern music.
The inaugural event, set to take place at the Albert Hall on 23 April, will honour the breadth of talent from across the region.
Recognising both household names and rising stars, categories include Newcomer of the Year, DJ of the Year, Artist of the Year, Band of the Year and Favourite Festival of the Year. Nominees across the various categories include Blossoms, DJ Paulette, The K’s and Courteeners.
Rochdale legend Lisa Stansfield will receive the accolade of Northern Icon, whilst Spice Girl Melanie C will be honoured with the Special Recognition Award.
The line-up for the night has also been announced, with performances from Stansfield, Courteeners frontman Liam Fray, indie artist Antony Szmierek, Warrington band The K’s and quartet English Teacher, hailing from Leeds.
Liam Fray said: “It’s a huge honour to be performing at the first Northern Music Awards, not only to help celebrate the incredible music talent that continues to come out of the North, but to raise awareness of the work Nordoff and Robbins does with music therapy, using the power of music to help people connect and communicate.”
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham added: “I’m delighted to be helping to bring these inaugural awards to the North – and what better city to launch in than Manchester?”
He added: “Historically, Northern music has always been a cut above, especially the music from working class communities. There is a strong, talented, and passionate musical heritage here that deserves to be celebrated.”
Set to be an annual affair, the event is hosted by music charity Nordoff and Robbins, who deliver music therapy to vulnerable people across the UK. This year’s ceremony aims to help raise money for a state-of-the-art music therapy centre in Salford, which will serve Greater Manchester.
You can buy tickets for the Northern Music Awards here.
