Award winning Polar Bolero to appear as part of Atlantic Sessions

Local band Polar Bolero, who won the public-voted BBC Introducing in Northern Ireland Artist of the Year award at the NI Music Prize awards, appearing as part of this weekend’s Atlantic Sessions on the north coast. | Carrie Davenport and Jim Corr.

placeholder image — Local band Polar Bolero, who won the public-voted BBC Introducing in Northern Ireland Artist of the Year award at the NI Music Prize awards, appearing as part of this weekend’s Atlantic Sessions on the north coast. | Carrie Davenport and Jim Corr.

Award winning Polar Bolero to appear as part of this weekend’s Atlantic Sessions on the north coast.

Fresh from their success at this week’s NI Music Prize awards night, local band Polar Bolero will be appearing at this weekend’s Atlantic Sessions on the north coast.

The local band walked away with the public-voted BBC Introducing in Northern Ireland Artist of the Year award at a glittering ceremony in Belfast’s Ulster Hall in midweek.

The band will celebrate their success with friends and family at a very special gig in Portrush’s Holy Trinity church on Saturday afternoon.

It’s a major shot in the arm for the band who have earned critical acclaim and a growing fan base since getting together just a few short years ago.

And no doubt this week’s award will help attract a few more through the doors of the historical church on Portrush’s Main Street this weekend.

The NI Music Prize celebrated its 15th anniversary with an unforgettable evening at Belfast's Ulster Hall, recognising the very best of music from Northern Ireland across genres and generations.

Joshua Burnside took home the coveted PPL Album of the Year award for It's Not Going to Be OK, just 24 hours after winning at the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards.

Chalk celebrated a double win, picking up Single of the Year for ‘Pain,’ decided by public vote, alongside MCD Live Act of the Year. Currently on tour with Fontaines D.C., the band sent a video message to accept their awards.

Kaidi Tatham was named PRS for Music NI Creator of the Year, while Polar Bolero, of course, won the public-voted BBC Introducing in Northern Ireland Artist of the Year award.

One of the biggest moments of the night came as legendary country singer Philomena Begley received the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising her extraordinary 64-year career.

Presented by her long time friend, BBC broadcaster Hugo Duncan, the celebration took an unexpected turn when CMAT made a surprise appearance to honour one of her musical heroes.

Backed by the Shamrock Showband, Philomena went on to perform her iconic hit Blanket on the Ground, inviting CMAT to join her on stage.

Acclaimed composer and musician Neil Martin received the Outstanding Contribution to Music Award, presented by his close friend, internationally renowned actor Stephen Rea.