Northern Ireland Country Music Awards set to return – Coleraine Chronicle

Susan McCann.
Reporter:
Damian Mullan
Email:
damianmullan@thechronicle.uk.com
Friday 8 November 2024 14:20
THE Northern Ireland Country Music Awards (NICMA’S) Voted by the Public returns on Monday February 17 2025.
The Seagoe Hotel in Portadown, where the first awards were held back in February 2020, has been confirmed as the host venue for the 2025 Northern Ireland Country Music Awards Voted by the Public.
The NICMA’S, now in their fifth year, are seen as the biggest and most anticipated night in the country music calendar in Northern Ireland and one of largest gathering of talent on the island.
The illustrious night sees music lovers travel from all parts of Ireland and throughout the UK to celebrate, meet and pay tribute to the finest musicians from across the province.
The only annual country music event of its kind, the NICMA’S brings together more than 40 performers to the same stage for one very special night.
In addition to the confirmed listed performers there’s always a large attendance of other stars, promoters and industry professionals, all there to show their support, network and hoping they, too, will go home with an award.
It’s also seen by many in the country music business as the unofficial staff night out, where everyone can relax and enjoy a social night catching up with their fellow musicians, who they rarely get to socialise with.
The night features an eclectic mix of artists from every corner of Northern Ireland, consisting of the current leading stars, bands, legends and with a generous sprinkling of the young and upcoming artists.
The NICMA’S House Band in itself has been one of the main factors to the success of the event with diehard country music fanatics saying they have the most authentic sound this side of Nashville.
The line-up has pretty much remained the same since the awards were established, made up of the most talented and experienced musicians, Jimmy Hendry on bass, Sebastien Petiet, fiddle, Jim McVeigh, piano/accordian, Brent McCook, drums, Jonathan Milligan, steel and acoustic, Janet McCartney, backing vocals, all led by the acclaimed genius, musical director Mark Vaughan.
The publicly voted awards which were founded in 2019 were set up primarily to give music fans the voice to decide their favourites in the industry, but equally as a platform for new artists to showcase their talent.
The NICMA’S organisation, which has gone from strength to strength, prides and judges itself on the success of all the young artists who have benefitted from appearing at the awards, many who’s careers have spring boarded since.
One example is 22 year old Gavin Gribben from Mayobridge, county Down, who performed at the very first awards night as a shy but obviously talented teenager and who has gone on to become one of the most seasoned, sought-after and professional performers on the scene.
The young star has since won numerous awards including Best Single in 2023, with over 70% of the vote beating such artists as Nathan Carter and Derek Ryan. He’s now opened shows for Derek Ryan many times and is a popular guest performer on the many stars in the sun holidays with all the leading artists.
Derek, himself, has been an avid supporter of the publicly voted awards and encouraging new talent, has performed for the previous three years and holds the record for the most awards won.
The awards are maybe just one night of the year, but the organisation has proven to play a more pivotal role in promoting the industry and portraying it more professionally and mainstream to the public and in the media. It also now acts as an important point of contact and directory for any enquiries and networking.
With Belfast being twinned with the home of country music, the NICMA’S have been constantly forging and strengthening links with Nashville and throughout the states, to establish opportunities for artists to promote their music, collaborate and perform over there.
One of the highlights of the night has always been honouring the legends, and this time will be no exception. We are delighted to be celebrating the exceptional, unmatchable and trailblazing career of Ireland’s first lady of country music, Susan McCann.
Susan, who celebrated 50 years at the top of the industry in 2025, and who recently was inducted into the RTE Late Late Hall of Fame, will be officially recognised. Susan has also kindly accepted the invitation to become the NICMA’S Honorary Ambassador.
The Newry legend has always been keen to nourish and encourage new talent and regularly lends her free time to offer advice and guidance. She’s loved and admired by everyone in the industry and seen as one of most influential on new artists starting out on their musical journey.
Indeed, Susan was instrumental at the beginning of the career of Tyrone country star Cliona Hagan who will be making her first appearance and headlining the awards. Cliona was a double winner in 2024 and picked up both best female artist and most glamorous Female.
Other special guests performing on the night include Louisiana born Robert Mizzell who will celebrate 25 years, country star and editor of RSVP Country Magazine Trudi Lalor from Co Tipperary, and Ireland’s newest country star, Derry native David James who has just signed to Nathan Carter’s former manager John Farry and is being seen as the next big Irish country superstar.
It’s fair to say that it’s always a night full of many emotions and none more so when much loved musicians are remembered and paid tribute to. Sadly, earlier this year, we lost the gentleman of country music and all round music genius and friend to everyone Crawford Bell, who everyone held the utmost respect for.
Hosts Malcolm McDowell and Big T (Downtown Country). Please note this a round table cabaret style event for your comfort and enjoyment. Tickets £30 plus booking fee are only available online at: Eventbrite/Northern Ireland Country Music Awards 2025.
VOTING
Voting opens Friday December 20 and closes Friday January 10 2025.
For further details on how to vote, list of performers, tickets and updates: Facebook Northern Ireland Country Music Awards 2025.
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Finance Minister John O’Dowd.
The stage is set for what will be the largest ever sporting event held in Northern Ireland
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Coleraine Chronicle
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