- Words Nicholas Douglas
Nordoff and Robbins' inaugural Northern Music Awards promises plenty of surprises from some of our countries brightest stars, here's what you can expect.
As the inaugural Nordoff and Robbins Northern Music Awards draws closer, we thought it’d be the right time to give you a lowdown of what to expect from the show. Taking place in Manchester at Albert Hall on 23rd April, the night is set to pay homage to the region’s rich musical history, spotlighting legends and newcomers alike while championing the illustrious live music scene that the north is known for.
Courteeners frontman Liam Fray, legendary singer Lisa Stansfield, who will be crowned Northern Icon, and rising Leeds post-punkers English Teacher, shortlisted for Newcomer of the Year, will provide some of the night’s most memorable moments, performing songs from their revered discographies.
Indie icon Tim Burgess will receive the first Live Nation-supported Northern Music Award, for his undeniable services to music. The Charlatans frontman has also had a revered solo career and continues to innovate with his Listening Party podcast. On the award, he says, “It’s incredible to be recognised with the inaugural Northern Music Award. Music is important on so many levels, and I’m a firm believer in the unique way that it can connect people”.
Alt-rock rulebreakers The Reytons have been named the Disruptor in Music winners, sponsored by Notion. Off the back of their number one album and stadium tour success, the band have put Rotherham on the map and continue to challenge pre-conceived perceptions of mainstream music.
Nordoff and Robins are also celebrating the importance of live music to the region. The Festival of the Year category is filled with competition: Moovin (Stockport), Kendal Calling (Cumbria), Sounds From The Other City (Salford), TramLines (Sheffield) and Beat-Herder (Lancashire) are all in with a chance of winning. As the only publicly voted award, people can back their favourite event via The Manc. Voting closes on Wednesday 27 March.
Live music lies at the heart of Nordoff and Robbins’ critical music therapy work. Breaking down barriers caused by life-limiting illness and disability, the charity aims to create spaces for people to express themselves. The funds raised from the Northern Music Awards will support Nordoff and Robbins’ vision to open a dedicated state-of-the-art music therapy centre for Greater Manchester and in Salford.
Sponsored by Skiddle, 10 northern venues are in the running across two inspirational Venue of the Year categories. Nominees for the under-500 capacity spaces include Brudenell Social Club in Leeds, Future Yard in Birkenhead, Trades in Hebden Bridge and Manchester’s Night and Day, and Yes all shortlisted for the prize. The larger venues in the running for (under 2,000) are Albert Hall, Band on the Wall and New Century Hall – all in Manchester – along with Barbican in York and City Hall in Newcastle.
Tickets for the award show, priced at £40, are on sale now. Premium package tickets are also available to book.