The third annual Northern Ireland Country Music Awards (NICMA) will return for 2023, bringing the finest Country artists, musicians and fans all together for one very special night.

Hosted by Fermanagh Country musician and independent industry professional Malcolm McDowell, and Sky TV’s Natasha Magee, along with special co-hosts, the ‘First Lady of Country’ Susan McCann, and Big T from Downtown Country, the celebration of Northern Ireland’s Country music industry will take place on Tuesday, February 7 at the Tullyglass Hotel in Ballymena.

Doors will open at 7.30pm, with the show to start at 8pm. Performances on the night will include Country music superstar and triple NICMAs 2022 winner Derek Ryan; Ireland’s authentic Nashville star, Robert Mizzell; and the incredible Fermanagh Folk group, The Tumbling Paddies.

Of course, the event would not be complete without ‘the Queen of Country’, Philomena Begley, and other legends including gentleman Billy McFarland, who will be officially recognised for his unbelievable and huge contribution of 75 years in the industry.

Artists will all be backed by the extremely talented six-piece house band lead by musical director Mark Vaughan, and accompanied by the Benn Sisters on backing vocals.

Looking forward to the 2023 awards show, Malcolm said: “It is my third year organising the Northern Ireland Country Music Awards. We held the first one in February, 2020, in Portadown just before the pandemic hit and the world slipped into lockdown.

“Then 2021 came and went without the entertainment industry opening up. So in February of this year, we held the awards again,” said Malcolm, noting that at that time, entertainment venues were really only opening up again.

“People and musicians hadn’t been out for months and months before the event. It was nerve-wracking, planning and organising such a major event, and not knowing if it may need to be cancelled due to the coronavirus,” he said.

He added: “But there was a huge and enthusiastic full house of Country music fans on the night, and everyone had such a special and memorable time together.

“I really appreciate all the support from the talented artists, musicians and the fans. I look forward to welcoming them back to the 2023 awards in February.”

The Northern Ireland Country Music Awards are voted by the public. All categories will be inclusive, solely voted for by the public, and winners will only be announced on the night.

Voting will open to the public for four weeks before the awards night. Tickets can be purchased now via Eventbrite.