Sparkling night showcasing the county's talent at the Shropshire Music Awards
The inaugural Shropshire Music Awards celebrated and recognised talent and contributions to music throughout the county in a sparkling night in Telford.
More than 400 people attended the awards at Telford Theatre in Oakengates, complete with its own red carpet and entertainment from amazing live acts.
Over a year in the making, the evening was funded by the Arts council England.
It was the brainchild of musician, Tim Rogers, the latest set in his journey as a musician and artist, who set up the not-for-profit community interest company CultureTainment CIC.
Mr Rogers, also known as rapper Trademark Blud, told the audience his aim was to use music and the CIC to tackle social issues, promote cultural development and support musicians and aspiring musicians in the industry.
The host was Radio Shropshire presenter Paul Shuttleworth, who also invited guest presenters to the stage.
Winners of the awards were: Best DJ, Koala T; Best Band, Black Bear Kiss; Music Video, Starboi Senshi; Event, Audio Tek; Producer, LP Tripp; Newcomer, Greysha; Rap/Hip Hop, MONROE; Drum and Bass, Dizzy D; Rock/Metal, Recall The Remains; Single, Four Crooks with Black Magic; Community Champion, Matt Smith; Acoustic, Loose Lips; Indie/Alternative, Penny Famous; Solo, Cally Rhodes; Best Festival, Shrewsbury Folk Festival.
There was a special Local Legend award for Mick Keefe for his services to music and the community over the years, and special awards were given to Stars of the Future Bridie, Macy O and Ruby Allen.
During the evening live performances came from a newly formed band from Telford College, including singer Francesca, Trademark Blud, Abbie Jean, acoustic duo Jack and Alice and Deep Talks Music.
Tim and Katie Rogers thanked everyone who had made the night a special occasion including sponsors.
"We are already looking into next year's event which we plan to be bigger and better with more categories and more engagement with music in the entire county of Shropshire," he said.
"We have such a wealth of talent here."
CultureTainment worked alongside the Knife Angel project when the anti-violence sculpture was in Telford and has been involved in hip hop, mental health, youth offending and music workshops.
A successful musician in his own right having successfully completed several tours of the UK and beyond, as well as having industry success being featured on BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 1Xtra, Trademark Blud said his experience as a musician inspired many of the aspects of CultureTainment and subsequently the awards.
“What we need is a more robust infrastructure for artists in the county, not just musicians but dancers, painters, poets et cetera. CultureTainment is aiming to fill that gap in Shropshire.
"If we had a central hub of creation where people had the facilities, mentors, networks and opportunities to develop their craft and gain advice I feel the journey for many would not only be clearer, but more achievable.”
