- Words Darcy Culverhouse
From star-studded performances to the ‘Northern Icon’ award, here’s a run-down of everything you need to know about the inaugural Northern Music Awards.
It’s widely known that the North has birthed some of the country’s biggest names in music. From the likes of iconic Brit-pop band Pulp to pop whizz Ed Sheeran, and the electrifying rock energy of the Arctic Monkeys, it’s evident—to say the least—that the North has a knack for producing musical excellence. To pay homage to the rich talent pool, the UK’s largest music therapy charity, Nordoff and Robbins, have created The Northern Music Awards—an award ceremony to celebrate and honour the breadth of talent flourishing across the North of England
Set to shake up Manchester’s iconic Albert Hall on Tuesday 23rd April, the ornate Wesleyan chapel will hold a stellar-studded line-up of performers. Singer-songwriter and Courteeners frontman, Liam Fray will fill the hallowed halls with two acoustic ballads. Joining him is the indie quartet English Teacher, who will unleash post-punk vigour to the stage, promising an unforgettable performance. And that’s just the beginning, a plethora of other Northern acts are set to grace the stage with their artistic prowess.
Such performances promise to help fundraise Nordoff and Robbins’ work, with proceeds supporting the charity’s ambition to establish a cutting-edge music therapy centre in Greater Manchester. This centre will serve as a beacon of hope, providing transformative musical experiences that bridge connections and combat social isolation.
Amidst the various performances, the award show will boast 15 awards, including ‘Industry Icon’ as well as ‘Northern Icon’. The legendary Spice Girls member Mel C will be honoured with the ‘Special Recognition Award’, while the esteemed singer-songwriter Lisa Stansfield will be acclaimed as ‘Northern Icon’, gracing the ceremony with a celebratory stripped-back set during the night.
Other awards include ‘Newcomer of the Year’, a greatly tipped award featuring a vibrant mix of burgeoning newbies including the likes of psychedelic rock quintet, The Goa Express and Notion 92 cover star, Pip Millet. In the ‘Artist of the Year’ category three prominent figures in the scene—Sam Fender, Louis Tomlinson and Self Esteem—vie for the coveted award.
The Northern Music Awards also highlights awards like ‘Favourite Festival of the Year’ where Creamfields North and Parklife Manchester battle it out amongst the 17 other festivals hand-picked by a panel of esteemed industry professionals. Moreover, the ceremony recognises two ‘Inspirational Venue of the Year’, honouring venues like Hebden Bridge’s Trades to Leads’ Brudenell Social Club for their platforming of rising artists.
Each year, the Northern Music Award will be head to a different Northern city to honour artists, festivals, venues, and industry figures from the region. Taking place on 23rd April 2024, find out more about the awards and ticket information here.
See a full list of the 2024 Nordoff and Robbins Northern Music Awards supported by Ticketmaster and Live Nation below:
| Special Recognition Award
Sponsored by SJM Concerts |
Melanie C |
| Northern Icon | Lisa Stansfield |
| Northern Music Award 2024
Sponsored by Live Nation |
TBA |
| Newcomer of the Year Sponsored by PizzaExpress Live |
Shortlist:
Antony Szmierek English Teacher The Goa Express Mica Millar OneDa Otis Mensah The Pale White Phoebe Green Pip Millett Seb Lowe |
| Disruptor Award
Sponsored by Notion Magazine |
TBA |
| Breakthrough Act of the Year
Sponsored by PPL |
Shortlist:
The Mysterines |
| Artist of the Year Sponsored by Ticketmaster |
Shortlist:
Sam Fender |
| Band of the Year
Sponsored by ASM Global |
Shortlist:
Blossoms |
| DJ of the Year
Sponsored by Scan.co.uk |
Paige Tomlinson
DJ Woody Djinn DJ Paulette |
| Favourite Festival of the Year
Sponsored by The Manc |
Longlist – winner chosen by the public:
Beatherder Lancashire Blue Dot Cheshire Confessional Blackburn Creamfields North Deer Shed Yorkshire Get Together Sheffield Highest Point Lancaster Kendal Calling Cumbria Leeds Festival Lindisfarne Northumberland Long Division Wakefield Lytham Festival Manchester Pride Moovin Stockport Neighbourhood Warrington Parklife Manchester Right to Roam, Bolton Sounds Of The Other City Salford Sound City Liverpool TramLines Sheffield |
| Inspirational Venue of the Year (under 500)
Sponsored by Skiddle |
Shortlist:
Brudenell Social Club – Leeds Future Yard – Birkenhead Night and Day – Manchester |
| Inspirational Venue of the Year (under 2,000)
Sponsored by Skiddle |
Shortlist:
Albert Hall – Manchester Band on the Wall – Manchester |
| Music Moment of the Year
Sponsored by Raymond Weil |
TBA on the night |
| Industry Icon
Sponsored by Tysers Live |
Michael Adex, NQ |
| Music and Culture for Wellbeing Award
Supported by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority |
TBA on the night |