Tim Burgess and Lisa Stanfield among those to be honoured at first Northern Music Awards

Tim Burgess and Lisa Stanfield are among those being honoured at the first Northern Music Awards. Credit: PA Images

Musical icons from across the North West are set to be honoured alongside up and coming acts at the first ever Northern Music Awards.

The new award show, which will be held at Manchester's Albert Hall on 23 April, aims to celebrate iconic northern bands, venues, and festivals while raising money for charity.

The Charlatans front man Tim Burgess, from Worsley, will be presented with the Northern Music Award 2024 for all of his work over his 30 year career, including 18 albums and 17 top 30 singles.

Tim Burgess said: “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."

The awards will be held at the Albert Hall in Manchester Credit: Geograph Britain and Ireland

Alongside Tim Burgess, Manchester-born singer-songwriter Lisa Stansfield will receive the Northern Icon Award.

Money raised from ticket sales and on the night will go towards organisers Nordoff and Robbins' plan to build a stat of the art music therapy centre in Salford.

The new space will employ trained music therapists to help support those suffering with life-limiting illnesses, disability, and social isolation.

Nadra Shah, Director of Engagement and Communications for Nordoff and Robbins, said: "The Northern Music Awards is a chance for us to shine a light on those who work tirelessly to make sure live music is available and accessible throughout the North of England.

"We are excited to honour some of the industry’s much loved venues and festivals alongside an array of live performances and appearances from some of the most celebrated artists from the region.”

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While professional panels have been tasked with determining 2024's best artist and venues, organisers have invited the public to vote for their favourite northern festival.

Voters will be choosing between Kendal Calling, Beatherder Lancashire, Moovin Stockport, Salford's Sounds of the Other City, and TramLines in Sheffield.

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority will also be supporting the Music and Culture for Wellbeing award, which highlights projects that use music and culture to support and connect people.

Among the nominees are DanceSyndrome in Lancashire, Manchester Camerata, and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic.

Among the nominees are bands and musicians featured on Granada Introducing. You can see more here:

The other nominees include:

Artist of the Year

  • Sam Fender

  • Louis Tomlinson

  • Self Esteem

Band of the Year

  • Blossoms

  • Courteeners

  • Bring me the Horizon

Newcomer of the Year

  • Antony Szmierek

  • English Teacher

  • The Goa Express

  • Mica Millar

  • OneDa

  • Otis Mensah

  • The Pale White

  • Phoebe Green

  • Pip Millett

  • Seb Lowe

Breakthrough Act of the Year

  • The Mysterines

  • Crawlers

  • The K’s

DJ of the Year

  • Paige Tomlinson

  • DJ Woody

  • Djinn

  • DJ Paulette

Inspirational Venue of the Year (capacity under 500)

  • Brudenell Social Club – Leeds

  • Future Yard – Birkenhead

  • Night and Day – Manchester

  • Trades – Hebden Bridge

  • Yes – Manchester

Inspirational Venue of the Year (capacity under 2000)

  • Albert Hall – Manchester

  • Band on the Wall – Manchester

  • Barbican – York

  • City Hall – Newcastle

  • New Century Hall – Manchester