Honour your Rotherham musical heroes

AN ANNUAL quest to celebrate Rotherham’s unsung musical heroes has been launched.
Martyn Howells (centre) with last year's winnersMartyn Howells (centre) with last year's winners
Martyn Howells (centre) with last year's winners

Nominations are open for the Rotherham Music Awards, which will see 11 gongs handed out at Magna in July.

The ceremony will be masterminded by former Rotherham Music supremo Martyn Howells, who has been working as a consultant for the borough-wide youth music organisation since stepping aside last summer to pursue other projects including his production company Stagestruck.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said he had promised Rotherham Music – which co-ordinates music lessons for thousands of children and young people and several events throughout the year — that he would oversee this year’s event.

Mr Howells said anyone connected with music in any way could be an award winner.

“It went really well last year and people said they hoped it would return as it recognised  lot of hat was going on in Rotherham,” he added.

“It’s open to anyone from a five-year-old learning how to play an instrument to someone who might be doing it professionally, or someone who is involved with musical development and doing a fantastic job.

“It brings everyone together in one room to say well done.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Everyone who is nominated is given the chance on the night to perform and there will also be music to dance to after the awards, which will be provided by professional musicians.”

Mr Howells said he was proud of how last year’s popular awards had seen so many volunteer event organisers honoured.

Last year’s winners included the organisers of three-day folk extravaganza Wath Festival, while Lawns Farm shop in Morthen triumphed for their use of social media.

Beanfest organiser Simon Hartley, who started the annual Rawmarsh rock festival in memory of his friend, Rob “Bean” Crook, won the Music Champion award.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This year’s categories include best educator; best up-and-coming talent; best tribute act; best junior group; best community group; best solo artist; best band; best composer/songwriter/original artist; best venue; best festival and the special award —music champion of the year.

It is free to enter or make a nomination and the closing date for submitting  entries and nominations is Friday, April 12.

Nominations can be made by emailing [email protected] or at the official awards entry page. Visit the awards Facebook page for more information.

Related topics: