A NEWLY launched celebration of live music in Newport could become an annual fixture after the success of the inaugural event.

The Love Live Music Awards at The Neon in Newport on Sunday were organised by Newport City Radio and supported by the South Wales Argus.

Sponsors Newport-based financial services firm Kymin, of Bridge Street, says the event has the power to lift the city.

Robin Hall, managing director of Kymin, said: “Live music has always and continues to play an important part in our city. Kymin, which is an independent business based in the city of Newport, was delighted to be able to demonstrate our support by backing the inaugural Love Live Music Awards 2017 and very happy with the way the event turned out.

“The event, staged by Newport City Radio at Neon, was really excellent, showcasing the real wealth of live music talent that we have here in the city.

“I believe the staging of these first Love Live Music Awards has created a firm base on which to build what I think should now become an important annual live music event for the city.”

The free-to-attend event was opened by Newport DJ Scratchmaster Slider and was headlined by Newport-based band Apple Tree Theory, who got the crowd going with their performance with washboards and banjos.

Unique Cherub awards, created by Chepstow sculptor Sam Pritchard based on Newport’s famous symbol recognising the excellence of live music in the city of Newport, were handed to ten winners at the ceremony on Sunday.

To Bear Sir picked up the Best Solo Male award, while Ellie McCue was named Best Solo Female.

Rogora Khart won Best Entertainer while Mr Hate was awarded Best Cover Band and Kingson was named Best Original Band.

Oxbowlake won the Best Duo award while Best Original Song went to 2Rude and Jake Ellis Scott was awarded the Best Music Video award.

Ben Harris was also applauded for Contribution to Local Music and Maindee Festival was named Best Local Event.

Ian Lamsdale, managing director of Newport City Radio, thanked Kymin and the South Wales Argus for its support.

He said the Love Music Awards were the brainchild of Newport City Radio volunteer Kym Frederick, who co-presented at the awards ceremony with Adam Prosser.

Andrew Byers, from the Neon, said: “The Neon was proud to provide the setting for this inaugural event. Neon is proud to support our local online radio station. Just as Neon is bringing music and diversity to our great city, Newport City Radio is too.”

For more information on the Love Live Music Awards visitnewportcityradio.org