English Teacher, Yungblud and Dr John Cooper Clarke are among the winners at the 2025 Northern Music Awards.
Hosted by Nordoff and Robbins and sponsored by Ticketmaster and Live Nation, the event will be held at Liverpool Olympia on March 27.
Clarke is to receive the night’s biggest honour, the Northern Music Award, and will perform at the event. Blossoms, Lightning Seeds, The Zutons, Chiedu Oraka and Luvcat are also set to play live.
Island’s Mercury Prize winners English Teacher will be presented with the Album Of The Year award, while Yungblud will take home the Disruptor In Music award.
English Teacher lead singer Lily Fontaine, said: “We’re so incredibly proud to have won Album Of The Year. Winning Newcomer Of The Year last year felt like a dream come true, and now to be recognised for our debut album is a true testament to the hard work and dedication we've put into our music. We’re firm believers in music’s power to connect and heal and continue to support Nordoff and Robbins’ vital work.”
We’re firm believers in music’s power to connect and heal and continue to support Nordoff and Robbins’ vital work
Lily Fontaine, English Teacher
Dr. John Cooper Clarke said: “I am knocked out to receive this award. The North is where it all started for me, and I’m honoured to be recognised in this way. I look forward to celebrating with the incredibly talented winners at the Northern Music Awards and to support the life-changing music therapy work that Nordoff and Robbins delivers for people across the North.”
Yungblud said: “I’m so grateful for this recognition and for the chance to support such an important cause with Nordoff and Robbins. I’ve always believed that music should be a tool for change, for breaking down barriers, and for creating spaces where people can unapologetically be themselves. This award is for all the misfits and the dreamers. Let’s keep disrupting together.”
The North is where it all started for me, and I’m honoured to be recognised in this way
Dr John Cooper Clarke
The ceremony also honours Northern venues, with 2025’s Inspirational Venue Of The Year awards, going to The Trades Club in Hebden Bridge and The Piece Hall in Halifax. The categories are sponsored by Seat Unique,with a percentage of the fee to be shared with the Music Venue Trust.
Additional awards to be announced on the night include Artist Of The Year and DJ Of The Year, while the winner of Festival Of The Year, as voted by readers of The Guide Liverpool, will also be revealed on the night.
Nordoff and Robbins has also announced the shortlist for the Music And Culture For Wellbeing Award, including Bridge Creative (County Durham), Liverpool Philharmonic Music & Health Programme (Liverpool), Purple Patch Arts (Leeds), Pyramid High Rise Music Group (Leeds), String of Hearts CIC (Manchester) and Warren Records at The Warren Youth Project (Hull).
The funds raised at this event are critical to helping us bring vital support to people across the North
Sandra Schembri, Nordoff and Robbins
The event is hosted by BBC Radio 6 Music presenter Chris Hawkins, with the trophies designed by contemporary British artist Thomas Wolski.
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..
Sandra Schembri, CEO, Nordoff and Robbins, said: “We’re so excited to be honouring Dr. John Cooper Clarke at this year’s Northern Music Awards. 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.”
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