NEWS
Dr. John Cooper Clarke, Blossoms, Ian Broudie, Yungblud, English Teacher, The Zutons, and Nia Archives triumph at 2025 Northern Music Awards
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The Northern Music Awards (NMAs) returned for their second year, celebrating the immense musical talent of the North while raising crucial funds for Nordoff and Robbins, the UK’s largest music therapy charity. The event, held at Liverpool Olympia on Thursday, March 27, saw some of the region’s most beloved artists, venues, and industry figures recognized for their contributions to music.
A Night of Performances and Prestigious Wins
Hosted by BBC Radio 6 Music’s Chris Hawkins, the ceremony was packed with show-stopping performances from Northern icons. Dr. John Cooper Clarke, Blossoms, Ian Broudie and the Lightning Seeds, and The Zutons graced the stage alongside emerging Liverpudlian act Luvcat and Hull rapper Chiedu Oraka.
Special guests, including Rick Astley, Peter Hook, and Vernon Kay, were among the presenters, adding star power to the event.
The Winners of the 2025 Northern Music Awards
Dr. John Cooper Clarke opened the evening with his signature poetry and was honored with the coveted Northern Music Award, presented by Joy Division and New Order bassist Peter Hook.
Blossoms, the indie-pop sensation from Stockport, delivered an acoustic set before being awarded Music Moment of the Year, recognizing their incredible live performances and chart-topping album Gary.
Ian Broudie and the Lightning Seeds performed crowd favorites before Broudie received the Special Recognition Award, presented by Echo & The Bunnymen’s Will Sergeant.
The Zutons closed the show with a high-energy set and were named Band of the Year, presented by Ian Broudie.
English Teacher, last year’s Newcomer of the Year, took home Album of the Year for their critically acclaimed debut This Could Be Texas.
Yungblud was honored with the Disruptor in Music Award, which he accepted via video message.
Nia Archives, the Manchester-raised DJ and producer, won Artist of the Year, presented by comedian Charity Shop Sue.
Radio 1 Future Dance host Sarah Story received DJ of the Year, presented by Vernon Kay.
Liverpool-born Luvcat won Breakthrough Act of the Year, following a mesmerizing live performance.
Hull rapper Chiedu Oraka was named Newcomer of the Year, presented by Stewart Baxter.
Industry and Venue Recognition
In addition to honoring artists, the NMAs also celebrated key figures and institutions in the Northern music scene:
Late music promoter Chris York was posthumously awarded Industry Icon.
Kendal Calling was named Festival of the Year.
The Trades Club (Hebden Bridge) and The Piece Hall (Halifax) won Inspirational Venue of the Year for small and large venues, respectively.
Liverpool Philharmonic was recognized for Music and Culture for Wellbeing.
Sally Bryant was awarded The Nordoff and Robbins Industry Rising Star Award.
Raising Funds for Music Therapy
The NMAs support Nordoff and Robbins’ vital music therapy work, with proceeds helping to expand services across the North. The charity delivered over 23,500 therapy sessions in 2024, impacting more than 6,500 people.
Sandra Schembri, CEO of Nordoff and Robbins, said, “This year’s Northern Music Awards have been a phenomenal celebration of the talent, passion, and creativity that makes the North such a powerhouse of music. We’re beyond grateful to everyone who has supported this event, helping to raise vital funds to ensure we can continue delivering essential music therapy across the region.”
Next year’s NMAs promise to be just as exciting, with a new host city set to be announced soon.
A Night of Performances and Prestigious Wins
Special guests, including Rick Astley, Peter Hook, and Vernon Kay, were among the presenters, adding star power to the event.
The Winners of the 2025 Northern Music Awards
Dr. John Cooper Clarke opened the evening with his signature poetry and was honored with the coveted Northern Music Award, presented by Joy Division and New Order bassist Peter Hook.
Blossoms, the indie-pop sensation from Stockport, delivered an acoustic set before being awarded Music Moment of the Year, recognizing their incredible live performances and chart-topping album Gary.
Ian Broudie and the Lightning Seeds performed crowd favorites before Broudie received the Special Recognition Award, presented by Echo & The Bunnymen’s Will Sergeant.
The Zutons closed the show with a high-energy set and were named Band of the Year, presented by Ian Broudie.
English Teacher, last year’s Newcomer of the Year, took home Album of the Year for their critically acclaimed debut This Could Be Texas.
Yungblud was honored with the Disruptor in Music Award, which he accepted via video message.
Nia Archives, the Manchester-raised DJ and producer, won Artist of the Year, presented by comedian Charity Shop Sue.
Radio 1 Future Dance host Sarah Story received DJ of the Year, presented by Vernon Kay.
Liverpool-born Luvcat won Breakthrough Act of the Year, following a mesmerizing live performance.
Hull rapper Chiedu Oraka was named Newcomer of the Year, presented by Stewart Baxter.
Industry and Venue Recognition
In addition to honoring artists, the NMAs also celebrated key figures and institutions in the Northern music scene:
Late music promoter Chris York was posthumously awarded Industry Icon.
Kendal Calling was named Festival of the Year.
The Trades Club (Hebden Bridge) and The Piece Hall (Halifax) won Inspirational Venue of the Year for small and large venues, respectively.
Liverpool Philharmonic was recognized for Music and Culture for Wellbeing.
Sally Bryant was awarded The Nordoff and Robbins Industry Rising Star Award.
Raising Funds for Music Therapy
The NMAs support Nordoff and Robbins’ vital music therapy work, with proceeds helping to expand services across the North. The charity delivered over 23,500 therapy sessions in 2024, impacting more than 6,500 people.
Next year’s NMAs promise to be just as exciting, with a new host city set to be announced soon.
