Music Award - new for 2025!

Music Award - new for 2025!

ABOUT THE CATEGORY: This award celebrates exceptional musical talent among young people who are passionate about music. It honours an artist or group, who has demonstrated extraordinary creativity, skill, and impact. Whether through powerful performances, innovative compositions, or a unique artistic vision, this award recognises rising stars whose work inspires their peers and leaves a lasting impression on audiences.

If you know a young person or a group who you think deserves to be recognised for their contribution to music in Sunderland complete a nomination form here by Friday 31st January 2025.

For help completing our nomination form view our Nomination guidance notes for the SYA 2025. (PDF, 5 MB)

For the second year running Barry Hyde, a local business operator and lead singer of renowned Sunderland band The Futureheads will be hosting the awards. Hyde's company, Northern Academy of Music Education (NAME) will be sponsoring a new Music Award category, to put the focus on emerging musical talent on wearside. 

Speaking of his involvement in the awards Barry Hyde, added: "The Futureheads were delighted to have received an honorary Young Achievers' Award in 2006 , and I was incredibly proud to be asked to support the event as host.  To celebrate the achievements of the young people in the city we're all so passionate about, is truly special. It was encouragement that I received in my early days as a musician that gave me the confidence to pursue my aspirations and become a professional songwriter and performer, touring the globe and following a creative path. This year, I'm really excited about sponsoring the new music category through Northern Academy of Music Education and we hope to encourage even more people to nominate across all categories. It's a fantastic event that shines a well-deserved spotlight on the talent, hard work, and dedication of young people in our community"

This award is sponsored by

Northern Academy of Music Education (NAME) is an independent music college in Sunderland.  As Sunderland's leading music degree provider,  NAME works in partnership with The University of Sunderland, delivering a BA and MA focusing on music industry skills. Find out more at Northern Academy of Music Education | Vocational Music Education | England