MUSICIANS from Newport will be in the spotlight later this year as part of a new awards ceremony recognising live talent.

The first 'Love Live Music Awards' will be staged at Newport's Neon venue in Clarence Place with ten awards up for grabs.

These range from best solo male, best solo female and best entertainer to awards recognising cover bands, original bands, duos, videos, contributions to local music and events.

The final award of 'best original song' will be voted on by visitors to the Newport City Radio website and those attending the awards in October.

Managing director of Newport-based Kymin Financial Services are sponsoring the awards in association with Newport City Radio (NCR) and official media partners, the South Wales Argus.

Kymin's managing director, Robin Hall, said he is "delighted" to show his support to the event.

"Live music has always and continues to play an increasingly important part in our city," he said.

South Wales Argus editor, Nicole Garnon, added: "We’re pleased to support and be associated with these inaugural live music awards for the city of Newport.

"Live music is playing an increasingly important part in the local economy and involving many people in all sorts of ways across our city.”

NCR's managing director, Ian Lamsdale, said the awards were the "brainchild" of NCR volunteer Kym Frederick and were launched to "acknowledge the widespread benefits live music and musicians deliver to the city".

The radio station is asking contacts who book bands for pubs and venues in Newport to suggest and nominate acts for the various categories.

Mr Lamsdale added:"Kym’s idea was amazing. It’s a kind of local version of the Brit Awards.

"I’m aware how many open mic nights we have in our city and the great pubs who book some outstanding acts.

"We’ve reached out to local pub owners for their input in helping short list and judge some of the awards.

"We also love having performers coming into our radio studio. The Love Live Music Awards will showcase this and the achievements of those in the local music scene".

"If you love live music as much as we do, it would be great to see you there," he added.

The event , between 3pm and 6pm, will be opened by Newport DJ, Scratchmaster Slider, who has his own show on NCR every Monday and will include music breaks and a headline act.

Andrew Byers, of the Neon, said the venue is proud to support Newport’s "local online radio station" while "proudly providing the setting for this inaugural event".

"Just as Neon is bringing music and diversity to our great city, NCR is too. We can’t wait for Sunday, October 1," he said.

NCR is a not for profit organisation that aims to develop people's confidence through training and has a team of more than 50 volunteers.

For ticketing or more information on th awards, visit: www.newportcityradio.org