Poet Dr John Cooper Clarke won the headline award
Poet Dr John Cooper Clarke won the headline award
Nia Archives has been named artist of the year at the Northern Music Awards held at The Olympia in Kensington this evening. The 25-year-old Leeds-born singer, producer and DJ received her award from YouTube star Charity Shop Sue, after releasing her debut album Silence Is Loud in April 2024.
Rising singer Luvcat received the breakthrough award from The Verve’s Simon Jones, following a year which saw her release her first single Matador and support The Last Dinner Party on tour, after making her name with a number of gigs at Brixton’s The Windmill pub.
Liverpool band The Zutons, formed in 2001, won band of the year, after releasing the album The Big Decider in 2024, the group is best known for the original version of Valerie, which gained success when it was covered by Amy Winehouse. Manchester pop band Blossoms won music moment of the year for the campaign leading up to the release of their fifth album Gary, which reached number one on the UK albums chart.
The disruptor of the year award for innovators in music went to Yungblud, real name Dominic Harrison, while album of the year, which had been previously announced, went to indie band English Teacher, for their Mercury Prize-winning This Could Be Texas.
Punk poet Dr John Cooper Clarke received the Northern Music Award 2025 for his “exceptional influence on the worlds of music, poetry, and beyond”, from New Order bassist Peter Hook. In another previously announced award, Lightning Seeds frontman Ian Broudie won the special recognition award for making significant global impact with his music, he received the award from Echo And The Bunnymen guitarist Will Sergeant.
Newcomer of the year went to hip hop artist Chiedu Oraka, while DJ of the year went to Sarah Story, and the music and culture for wellbeing award went to Liverpool Philharmonic. Festival of the year was won by Kendal Calling, inspirational venue of the year with a capacity under 2,000 was scooped by Hebden Bridge’s Trades Club, and the same award for a venue with a capacity of more than 2,000 was won by The Piece Hall in Halifax.
A&R and artist manager, Sally Bryant was presented with the Nordoff And Robbins industry rising star award for the industry, and late live music promoter Chris York was honoured by the room and named industry icon posthumously.
Hosted by the UK’s largest music therapy charity, Nordoff and Robbins, with specially commissioned awards designed by contemporary British artist Thomas Wolski, the Northern Music Awards take place in a different Northern city every year to ensure every corner of the region is celebrated.
The North of England is Nordoff and Robbins’ largest service area, with 55 music therapists and 164 partner organisations providing over 23,500 music therapy sessions in 2024, transforming the lives of more than 6,500 people in the region.
Money raised from the Northern Music Awards will go towards expanding Nordoff and Robbins’ music therapy provision in Liverpool and across the North of England, using music as a creative health intervention to enhance connection, reduce social isolation, and improve mental health and well-being for diverse local communities across the region.
About Dr John Cooper Clarke, Sandra Schembri, CEO, Nordoff and Robbins, said: “With his distinctive style, sharp wit, social commentary and an inimitable delivery, he has become a household name, bringing poetry to new audiences and inspiring generations of musicians, artists and fans alike.
“His work continues to be celebrated around the world, while his influence remains a constant in both literary and music circles, so this award is testament to his outstanding career and the ongoing relevance of his work within the cultural tapestry of the North.
“Music has the power to heal, connect and transform lives, and this year’s Northern Music Awards is not just about celebrating the outstanding talent across the region, it’s about making a real difference.
“Rising costs and increasing demand for music therapy mean that the funds raised at this event are critical to helping us bring vital support to people across the North, from hospitals and care homes to schools and community centres. Every contribution ensures we can reach more individuals in need, using music to create meaningful change.”