The annual Solent Music Awards commemorates the success of the many music students across Solent University. This year, the awards were put together by production pioneers, Sunheads Productions (Povilas Zilinskas, Will Maylam) with the help of the LES (Live events society) at Solent.

Situated in university landmark, The Spark, the event showcased a time capsule of talent; with students and lecturers performing old, new and original music for the audience to enjoy. The fabulous Vita Jazz and eccentric Ollie Tilt (of Jetski Babylon) took to the stage as our hosts for the evening, with 16 different acts and many awards to introduce, they did a great job at ensuring the night ran smoothly.

The Microwaves, Thorrison and Djuno were among the many talented acts who took to the stage during the celebration ensuring the crowd were gearing up for the awards that followed.

Lighten Up Laura took home the award for Live Music Performance, a great achievement to add to their recent successes, while Stefano Mussi was presented with the prestigious Director’s Award. Awarded for her Popular Music Performance, third-year Ellie Hider was thrilled with her achievement – well deserved after the long dissertation process.

Throughout the evening, the staff showed immense support to the students, and also to their colleagues; when it was time to receive the Staff Award (Winner: Jenna Barker) and the Outstanding Student Support (Winner: Jon ‘JB’ Wills’) the crowd went wild.

The evening rolled on to be a glamorous and groovy night of success, with good vibes and support from everyone involved, it was definitely a night to remember and one of the coolest celebrations on the university calendar – but remember, it’s not a celebration without a performance from Paul Rutter’s All-Star Band.