Liam Fray from indie rock royalty Courteeners will be taking to the stage at the inaugural Nordoff and Robbins Northern Music Awards supported by Ticketmaster and Live Nation for a special live acoustic performance, alongside Manchester legend Lisa Stansfield,
Warrington’s rising stars The K’sand the up-and-coming Leeds quartet, English Teacher. Spoken word, indie hip hop artist Antony Szmierek, from Hyde, will be opening the awards with a specially commissioned piece about the power of music therapy.
As the UK’s largest music therapy charity, Nordoff and Robbins is proud to hold the first music awards show to recognise and celebrate the breadth of talent across the North of England, taking place onTuesday 23 April 2024 at Manchester’s iconic Albert Hall.
Resurrected in 2013 after being closed for over 40 years, the ornate Grade II listed Wesleyan chapel has been restored into a stunning purpose-built music hall and is one of the most atmospheric music and events venues in the UK. The performance-packed show will help to fundraise for Nordoff and Robbins’ vision to open a dedicated state of the art music therapy centre for Greater Manchester – based in Salford – and will kickstart a new chapter in celebrating the diverse talent of the North of England year after year.
Nadra Shah, Director of Engagement and Communications, Nordoff and Robbins, said:“The Northern Music Awards aims to celebrate the massive musical talent that continues to come out of this region and will be held annually in different Northern cities. We want to honour the enormous success of established artists such as the award winning and multi-million album selling Lisa Stansfield – but also spotlight emerging musicians who may not yet be recognised at a national level. We really want to support and help to grow the eco system of Northern musicians whilst shining a light on the transformative work we do with music therapy to connect with some of the region’s most isolated communities. In 2024 we’re celebrating 20 years of providing essential music therapy in Greater Manchester and we’re excited that this show will support our vision to open a brand new centre – helped by the money raised from these awards.”
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.”
Lisa Stansfield said:
“Music and singing are in my blood as much as being a proud Mancunian, so to be named Northern Icon at the first ever Northern Music Awards is an immense privilege. I’m incredibly proud to support Nordoff and Robbins to raise money for a new music therapy centre for the people of Greater Manchester. The benefits of music therapy are simply life changing, helping children and adults who are otherwise isolated to break through barriers and find a connection.”
Tickets for the award show, priced at £40, are on sale to the public from today, 15th February atwww.nordoff-robbins.org.uk/
