Portsmouth Music Awards 2025: Celebrating Our City's Musical Legacy
On Wednesday, 9th April 2025, Portsmouth will host its first-ever Portsmouth Music Awards, a landmark event that recognizes and celebrates the city’s rich musical heritage, as well as the outstanding talent shaping its present and future. With 16 awards spanning multiple genres and aspects of the music industry, this event is set to shine a spotlight on the incredible artists, producers, and live events that make Portsmouth a true ‘Music City’.
I hear you backing up – ‘Why Portsmouth? What makes this city the right place for a dedicated music awards ceremony?’ To you that ask this, you might be surprised to hear that Portsmouth has long been a powerhouse of musical talent, not just as a place where legendary acts have performed, but as a city that has produced extraordinary musicians, composers, and songwriters across multiple genres.
A city that lives and breathes music…
Portsmouth has played host to some of the biggest names in music history—The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and many more. It’s a city that’s always been on the touring map. A place where crowds gather, and there’s an expectation that history will be made. Beyond the famous gigs … Portsmouth consistently ‘punches above its weight’ when it comes to creating and nurturing its own musical icons.
Take Paul Jones – The legendary voice of Manfred Mann, born right here in Portsmouth. Or Roland Orzabal – Co-founder of Tears for Fears, whose songwriting and production shaped 1980s music. Joe Jackson, known for his genre-blending music, grew up in Portsmouth before making his name internationally. Dave Spoon (Simon Neale) – A major force in electronic music, helping shape the dance scene. Mick Jones – The Portsmouth-born founder and guitarist of Foreigner. Julia Fordham – A singer-songwriter with a voice that has captivated audiences worldwide. Or Lol Coxhill – An experimental saxophonist who pushed the boundaries of free improvisation. Or Ian Siegal – A powerhouse of blues music, recognized on the international blues scene. The list is incomplete, and needs a dozen new additions. Then it needs an argument over who and what is missing. Throw in Pompey’s Punk scene. Or the work of any number of venues, promoters, studios and producers. Portsmouth is a ferment… the scene goes on.
So, there’s no getting around it: Portsmouth has a track record of producing diverse, influential musicians. It’s not just about geography—it’s about energy, community, venues, and passion for music that runs through the city’s veins.
The Awards: Honouring Every Corner of Portsmouth’s Music Scene
The Portsmouth Music Awards 2025 will recognize excellence across a wide spectrum of genres and roles within the music industry. The categories being awarded are:
- Pop Act of the Year
- Indie / Rock / Alternative / Metal Act of the Year
- Dance / Electronic / DNB Act of the Year
- Acoustic / Country / Folk Act of the Year
- Hip-Hop / Rap / Drill / Grime Act of the Year
- Recording Studio of the Year
- R&B / Reggae / Afrobeat / Dancehall Act of the Year
- Producer of the Year
- Local Music Venue of the Year
- Live Event or Initiative of the Year
- Young (Under 18) Act of the Year
- Song of the Year
- Portsmouth Voice Award
- People’s Choice Act of the Year
- Album of the Year
- Legacy Award
This is more than just a celebration; it’s a statement. Portsmouth’s music scene is alive and thriving, and these awards will showcase the depth of talent that exists here, from established names to emerging voices making their mark. Whether it’s rock, dance, hip-hop, or folk, the city’s musical DNA is as diverse as ever.
Five local acts that will provide the soundtrack to this celebration, Do You Get It?, Amba Tremain, Jack Child, Brooke Star & SIGHTS.
A New Chapter for Portsmouth’s Music Culture
For too long, Portsmouth’s contribution to music has been overshadowed by larger cities. The Portsmouth Music Awards is an opportunity to change that narrative, to give local musicians, producers, and industry professionals the recognition they deserve, and to inspire the next generation of talent.
Music has always been part of this city’s identity. With the launch of the Portsmouth Music Awards 2025, we celebrate that past, honour the present, and look forward to a future where Portsmouth’s influence within the UK’s music industry continues to grow.
Join us on April 9th, 2025, as we make history. Portsmouth is a music city—and it’s about time the world knew it.
BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW! https://www.portsmouthguildhall.org.uk/whats-on/event/portsmouth-music-awards-2025/
A few tickets to be there on this historic night are still available through the Guildhall Ticket Office or online.
By Rupert Rowbotham, Arts Development & Partnerships at The Guildhall Trust