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A new award ceremony which aims to celebrate the music scene in Cardiff has been launched.

Voting is now open for the Cardiff Music Awards, which is the idea of founder Ed Townend, who works as a sound engineer and events manager at venues around the Welsh capital.

First conceived as an online awards in 2015, the event has now been relaunched and repackaged in conjunction with River And Bear, a Cardiff-based PR, marketing & events firm, with an awards ceremony being held at a major city centre venue in March.

Ed said the idea of the awards is to recognise, celebrate and share what Cardiff has to offer.

He said: “There is certainly no shortage of musical talent or energy within Wales’ capital city. With a dazzling array of artists, bands, DJs, promoters and venues located in Cardiff, the music scene is thriving.

“I’m really, really passionate about Cardiff and its music scene. I live and die with the success and losses felt within it and I’m always looking out for anything new and interesting happening.

“I feel like the awards will not only contribute to the scene but celebrate it as well – and I always am looking to give back to a community that has brought me so much joy since I started going to gigs aged only 12.”

Which local venue hosts unforgettable club nights? Who is Cardiff’s greatest DJ? Do you know a musician who deserves special recognition? The awards aims to answer all these particular posers at the awards on March 30.

“I want the awards to celebrate the city’s musical dynamism by rewarding the achievements and success of organisations and individuals who have helped enhance Cardiff’s unique and vibrant music scene,” said Ed.

Various issues prevented the 2016 awards from taking place but Ed is confident that the enthusiasm and momentum behind the Cardiff Music Awards in its 2017 relaunch will ensure its success

“I feel such a connection to the city and its strengths,” he said.

“It’s a tight-knit community where it’s difficult not to be aware of the leading names within it, and it’s so friendly too.

“I love attending gigs of all genres where you’ll bump into colleagues or musicians you admire and have a good catch-up. I’ve spent many hours in music venues just talking about the scene.

“Literally thousands of people were involved in 2015’s awards, and I’m hoping to increase that number this year. I love to share new and exciting music and the awards are such a great way to do so.”

Nominations are now open with the public able to vote in 26 different categories which range from best group, best live act and best album to best local promoter, best independent venue and best radio show.

A shortlist of five finalists in each category will be announced on February 17 ahead of the awards ceremony.

Winners in the 2015 online awards included Astroid Boys, DJ Jaffa, Clwb Ifor Bach and Maddie Jones.

To find out more and to vote visit www.cardiffmusicawards.co.uk