Northern Music Awards 2025: Celebrating Talent, Resilience, and Music’s Healing Power

The Northern Music Awards with Nordoff and Robbins was a night to remember, not just for the incredible sets and performances but also for the essential work of the music therapy charity. The music therapy sessions at Nordoff and Robbins positively affect people’s lives, allowing them to deal with adversity in the shape of illness, disability, and isolation through music’s healing power. Performers such as Blossoms and rapper Chiedu Oraka have gone the extra mile to attend Nordoff and Robbins’ sessions, proving the depth of the charity’s reach.

Hosted by Chris Hawkins from BBC Radio 6 Music, the event took place at the Olympia in Liverpool, celebrating Northern talent for the second consecutive year instead of the usual awards hotspot of London. All of the big award ceremonies usually revolve around London, but this is a real sign of how much the music industry is flourishing up here. The awards are an inevitable celebration of northern talent and resilience, it was a privilege to be part of such a vibrant celebration.

The evening was packed with spectacular performances. The Verve’s Simon Jones awarded Luvcat the breakthrough prize; she released her first single, Matador, last year and went on tour with The Last Dinner Party. Her voice was nothing short of magic, giving me goosebumps.

Newcomer Award winner Chieda Oraka of Hull played a blistering set that spoke volumes of unspoiled talent, even to a lesser genre fan like me. His deserved award testified to his ability to reach out and connect with a crowd.

Blossoms was awarded Music Moment of the Year for their campaign to promote their fifth album, Gary, which ranked number one on the UK albums chart. They played an intimate acoustic set with ‘Gary’, ‘Your Girlfriend’ and ‘There’s A Reason Why’.

The hosts themselves added to the magic of the evening. Music legend Peter Hook (who I caught up with a few weeks ago, you can read the interview here), the original New Order and Joy Division member, added a touch of legend to the evening. He presented Punk poet Dr John Cooper Clarke’s Northern Music Award 2025 for his “exceptional influence on the worlds of music, poetry, and beyond.” He opened the show with a performance of “Hire Car,” which soon grasped the crowd’s attention. Next, he performed the humorous song “I’ve Fallen in Love with My Wife,” before concluding with a romantic rendition of “I Wanna Be Yours,” which, I have to admit, had me completely mesmerised. It was my first time seeing John Cooper Clarke, and I was truly in awe of him; what an incredible stage presence and pleasure to talk to.

Charity Shop Sue, added a light, warm touch and added the aspect of making the evening interesting and humorous. Nia Archives received her award from Sue for Artist of the Year. The 25-year-old Leeds-born singer, producer and DJ released her debut album Silence Is Loud in April 2024.

There were also very emotional moments during the evening. One such highlight was the award to Chris York, a former SJM Concerts director. A legend of the live music scene, Chris had left behind his mark, having worked with the legendary bands Oasis and Foo Fighters. On his behalf, his sister and a couple of members of Shed Seven accepted the award, and it was a very emotional moment. Glasses were raised for the much-respected music legend.

Ian Broudie, the frontman of Lightning Seeds, who was also a delight to interview, received a special recognition award for his significant global influence through music. The award was presented to him by Will Sergeant, the guitarist of Echo And The Bunnymen. The band performed later on with renown tracks like ‘Pure’ and more.

The coveted title of Festival of the Year went to the vibrant Kendal Calling, which is celebrated for its eclectic lineup and immersive atmosphere. In a remarkable showcase of local talent and community spirit, the Inspirational Venue of the Year award for venues with a capacity under 2,000 was proudly claimed by the charming Trades Club in Hebden Bridge, a beloved haven for music enthusiasts. Over in Halifax, the majestic Piece Hall, which boasts grand architecture and a rich history, triumphed as the Inspirational Venue of the Year.

Sally Bryant, an A&R and artist manager, received the Nordoff and Robbins Rising Star Award in the industry.  Sarah Story was awarded DJ of the Year, while the Liverpool Philharmonic received the Music and Culture for Wellbeing award.

The Disruptor of the Year Award, which recognises innovators in the music industry, was conferred upon Yungblud.

Additionally, the Album of the Year Award, which had been previously announced, was awarded to the indie band English Teacher for their Mercury Prize-winning album, This Could Be Texas.

The whole evening was a joy to be part of, with a great team ensuring every guest was well looked after. They did a great job of creating an atmosphere that was as warm and friendly as it was lively. It was a pleasure to speak with legends like John Cooper Clarke, Ian Broudie of Lightning Seeds, Rick Astley, and the CEO of Nordoff Robbins, who was clearly dedicated to the cause. Every conversation underlined the evening’s messages of music’s life-affirming and life-unifying power. A special podcast of interviews from the evening will be available shortly.

Find out more about the fantastic work Nordoff and Robbins does below.

Nordoff and Robbins – The UK’s largest music therapy charity

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