'First of its kind' Northern music awards launching at landmark Factory International venue

A new awards ceremony celebrating the the breadth of musical talent across the North of England has been announced.

The star-studded award show will be the 'first of its kind' to honour artists, festivals, venues and industry figures from across the region. Nordoff and Robbins, The UK’s largest music therapy charity, will host its inaugural ceremony in Manchester this November – then will move to a different northern city every year.

Spice Girl Melanie C will be honoured with a Special Recognition award at the awards show, for her outstanding contribution to music, and will be performing live, with many more acts to be announced soon. The performance-packed show will take place om Thursday, November 30 at the landmark new arts, music and culture space, Factory International.

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The awards, which will be hosted by BBC Radio 6 Music's Chris Hawkins, will officially launch this evening with a event at Band on the Wall in Manchester, with performances from a host of local acts including Antony Szmierek, Joash, The K’s and The Mysterines.

Awards categories at this year's awards range from Newcomer of the Year to Artist of the Year, Band of the Year, DJ of the Year, Maverick in Music, and the Northern Music Award. A special Music and Culture for Wellbeing award will spotlight the ''outstanding and innovative' creative arts provision in the North, which uses music and culture to support and connect with people who face health, wellbeing and socio-economic challenges.

Tickets for the inaugural event go on sale soon via the Nordoff and Robins website and pre-sale tickets are available now. Money raised from ticket sales will help to fund the opening of a new