Sam Fender nominated for inaugural Northern Music Award- with Newcastle's City Hall also acknowledged

Sam Fender has been nominated for an inaugural Northern Music Award, aimed at recognising and celebrating the breadth of talent across the North of England.

The UK's largest music therapy charity Nordoff and Robins will be holding the awards which sees Fender nominated for Artist of the Year alongside Self Esteem and Louis Tomlinson.

Lindisfarne is nominated for festival of the year while Newcastle's City Hall is up for Inspirational Venue of the year.

Taking place on Tuesday 23 April at Manchester's Albert Hall, 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. 

Liam Fray from Courteeners, Lisa Stansfield, The K's and English Teacher are all confirmed to be taking to the stage during the ceremony.

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."

During the ceremony Spice Girl Mel C will be receiving the Special Recognition Award while Lisa Stansfield will be awarded Northern Icon.

Other categories include Newcomer of the Year, Disruptor Award, Breakthrough Act of the Year, Band of the Year, DJ of the Year, Music Moment of the Year, Industry Icon and Music and Culture for Wellbeing Award.

Tickets for the award show, priced at £40, are on sale to the public from 10amtoday (15th February) at  www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk/nmas