They are billing it as the biggest country night of the year up North and that’s exactly what it is shaping up to be when the Northern Ireland Country Music Awards will be staged in the Seagoe Hotel in Portadown, Co Armagh, on Monday 3 February.

Over 40 acts are already on the bill and they will be joined by some well-known names from down south for this special celebration of country music across the generations.

Malcolm McDowell, country music journalist and singer, says the countdown is well and truly on at this stage. “This show has certainly caught the imagination of folks in these parts and much further afield. We already have people booked in from various parts of the island of Ireland, all brought together by their love for country music.

Jordan Mogey.

“Unlike most other music awards, the Northern Ireland Country Music Awards 2020 will be voted by the public. Voting takes place throughout the whole month of January online and the nominations and winners will only be announced on the night.

“All the votes must be for artists from Northern Ireland and is not limited to the artists already advertised on the bill. The voting process is very easily laid out on the Northern Ireland Country Music Awards 2020 Facebook page. In each category, simply type the name of your favourite artists, and submit. Voting closes on the 30 January.

Mick Flavin.

“The show in Portadown will see the largest ever gathering of performers from right across the province share the same stage on one night.”

The award categories include Best Male and Female artists, Best Single/Album, Best Music Video and Best Country Music Venue, and a number of other special awards.

Visiting artists include Mick Flavin, Sandy Kelly, Trudi Lalor, Damian Davis, The Murphys’, Keith and Lorraine McDonald, Ailish McBride and Sabrina Fallon.

The awards show will be hosted by Sandy Kelly, Big T (Trevor Campbell) of Downtown Radio and Malcolm McDowell.

John McNicholl.

“The blend of established singers and those coming through the ranks is sure to resonate with patrons of all ages and this should be a truly memorable and great night for all at the show in the Seagoe Hotel,” says Malcolm.

On the night

Brian Coll, John Glenn, Brendan Quinn, John McNicholl, Dominic Kirwan, Jim Devine, Billy McFarland, Jordan Mogey, Stephen Smyth, Trevor Dixon, Paul Kelly, Tony Kerr, Caitlin Murtagh, Shauna McStravock, Barry Stewart, Owen McVeigh, Jim Devine, Barry Kirwan, Liam Kelly, Boxcar Brian, The Benn Sisters, Andrew McMurdie, Cowboy Larry, John Rafferty, Patricia Maguire, Natasha Magee comprise just over half of the huge line-up for the big night.

For updates, tickets (£25), further information and voting go to the Northern Ireland Country Music Awards 2020 Facebook Page.

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