If last night’s party was anything to go by, the Nordoff & Robbins Northern Music Awards in November is going to be top. drawer.
But what is this Northern Music Awards? I hear you say. Who are Nordoff & Robbins? And speak more of this launch party!
Well, my imaginary friends…
Two words, Music Therapy.
Nordoff & Robbins are Britain’s leading music charity and in their words…
…we’re going to raise a lot of money for music therapy, so that Northern communities can have access to its transformative power. We want to reduce social isolation and enhance connection for local people, through music.
And so, 30 November 2023 will see Factory International host some of the biggest names in northern music, with an awards show celebrating the best talent in the area (and p.s. Mel C is already confirmed).
All eyes are on the goal of raising enough money to open a permanent, multi-disciplinary music making and therapy space in Salford. Featuring a specialist music studio and sensory room, the space will provide free access to music for individuals and communities who have the least access to arts and culture.
Just magical.
BBC Radio 6 Music’s Chris Hawkins (who gamely hosted us all at last night’s lively kick-off event at Band on the Wall) will chair an awards panel of industry experts, saying…
The North provides such a rich source of incredible music. The diversity and international acclaim of this huge asset needs to be showcased, and that’s just what the Northern Music Awards will do.
Music and celebration go hand in hand, and the Awards will shine a light on extraordinary talent and inspire a next generation of artists. It’s about giving the music community in the North a chance to celebrate them too.
And with so much talent on our patch, it was only right to showcase some of this last night.
Us lucky beggars enjoyed live performances from the brilliant spoken word and indie hip-hop artist, Antony Szmierek, and all uniquely and individually talented bands JOASH, The Mysterines and The K’s.
But not before we got to see just a little of what Nordoff & Robbins do, with footage of our very own Greater Manchester Mayor, and Northern Music Awards Ambassador, Andy Burnham, visit Pioneer House school to see music therapy in action…(check it here on the Nordoff & Robbins website).
Was Andy Burnham at the event last night. Sadly he was tied up with a little known fella called ‘The Pope’.
I mean. Fair dos.
So what next? Well for me it’s plenty of water to deal with the Daiquiris I had last night. But you can also head to the dedicated page at https://www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk/northern-music-awards/ and sign up for early bird ticket access.
You can also help to contribute to this wonderful goal by clicking here to donate.
In the meantime, watch this space, and hopefully see you at Factory International in November!
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