Music fans across East Devon are being invited to nominate their favourite local bands or artists for the first MIDI TV Awards, taking place later this month.

The Music in Devon Initiative CIC (MIDI) is a community arts enterprise, and the awards aim to recognise and celebrate local talent. MIDI TV is an online station, an ‘MTV for Devon’.

Nominations must be made by Monday, January 15. The finalists will then be chosen by a panel of local music industry leaders, and the winners will be announced on the awards night.

MIDI director Nick said: “MIDI are delighted to be launching the very first MIDI TV Awards. After a few tough years for the Devon music scene, we are hoping to both showcase the sheer quantity of hugely talented musicians in the South West and to celebrate the resilience of everyone in the industry.

“We have not only survived, but have bounced back and are thriving. What better way to celebrate this than bringing together key players and music lovers from across the South West, to kick-start 2024?”

The awards ceremony will take place at Bomba on Exeter Quay on Friday, January 26 from 7.30pm. The organisers are inviting local and national media , booking agents and representatives from music labels to attend. There will be comedy, live music from local bands, and DJ sets.

The public are invited to nominate their favourite local musicians/bands for awards in the following categories:

1. Best Live Act

2. Best Single

3. Best Album

4. Best Video

5. Best Rock Band

6. Best Hip Hop Artist

7. Best Producer

8. Best DJ

9. Best New Band

10. Legend Award

Nominations can be made via the MIDI website.

The MIDI TV Awards are supported by Youth Music’s trailblazer fund to help develop opportunities for under 25s to earn and learn in the music business. Young people from MIDI’s Soundtribe project will be involved in organising and performing at the event.

Youth Music is a national charity funded by the National Lottery via Arts Council England, players of People's Postcode Lottery and support from partners, fundraisers and donors.

A spokesperson from Youth Music said: “We believe that every young person should have the chance to change their life through music. Yet our research shows that many can’t because of who they are, where they’re from or what they’re going through.

“Our insights, influence and investment in grassroots organisations and to young people themselves means that more 0–25-year-olds from can make, learn and earn in music.”

Tickets for the awards ceremony are £20 from Fatsoma, which include a free drink on arrival.