Music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins has revealed the first winners of its annual O2 Silver Clef Awards 2016, the charity’s biggest event of the year.
Jess Glynne and Florence Welch will pick up prizes at the annual event, which will take place on July 1 at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel. Glynne will receive the Jack Daniel’s Best Newcomer Award, previously won by James Bay and Laura Mvula, while Welch will be presented with the Best Female Award, won in its inaugural year by Rita Ora.
Since launching in 1976, the awards have raised more than £9 million to fund Nordoff Robbins’ music therapy work.
“Congratulations to Jess Glynne, Florence Welch and Jeff Lynne who we are proud to announce as our first three winners of this year’s O2 Silver Clef Awards," said Emma Banks, CAA senior agent and chair of the O2 Silver Clef Committee. "I am as honoured as ever to be leading the O2 Silver Clef Committee and we are proud to work with the team to help shape this event.
"To date the O2 Silver Clef Awards lunch has raised over £9m for Nordoff Robbins, helping them deliver their life-changing work to those who need it most and I sincerely hope the event this year takes the grand total to over £10m.”
Some of the biggest names in the music industry have been honoured in the 41-year history of the awards, including Iron Maiden, David Bowie, Eric Clapton, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Elton John, The Bee Gees, Michael Buble, Kylie Minogue and Pharrell Williams.
“The O2 Silver Clef Awards are one of the reasons why Nordoff Robbins is able to continue delivering life-changing music therapy to so many vulnerable and isolated people," said Nordoff Robbins CEO Julie Whelan. "We are so grateful for the support it receives year on year.”
