The Fans of Billy Fury Music Awards

Billy Fury found fame in the swinging 60's with his heart throb hits such as, 'I'd Never Find Another You', 'Halfway to Paradise' and many more. Billy Fury is still celebrated today, especially in Liverpool and a statue of the star can even be found at the famous Liverpool Docks. Diane Wardle and Colin Paul host 'The Fans of Billy Fury Music Award' every year in commemoration of Billy Fury in the hope that his memory will live on and inspire young musicians today. The award consists of an evening meal and free drink, £500 prize money and a certificate presented to the winners by Diane and Colin in Blackpool with live tribute acts, including Colin Paul himself.

This year's winners were Anna Silvers, Ryan Chan and Joseph Griffin. Here's what Anna Silvers had to say about the award...

"This award is very special and meaningful to me. When I was younger, I loved Billy Fury so much I got my nan to cut me a quiff just like him (which I won't be doing again anytime soon, sorry Billy). In particular I fell in love with his song's 'Wondrous Place' and 'Jealousy', I loved his infusions of genres and melodies. He is a huge inspiration for me, especially as I was introduced to him at such a young age by my nan and grandad. Everyone at the awards were so lovely and welcoming! Being a solo artist and songwriter can be challenging as you have to stay appealing to so many audiences and pretty much do everything yourself with little money. This £500 award will mean that the songs I have been creating all these years can finally be recorded and shared with the arrangements and focus they deserve, on much larger scales and with more creative professionals involved. I can't thank the founders enough for their generosity and for making this heartwarming event a reality, that I am lucky enough to have participated in with two other fabulous winners. Hopefully, one day someone will hear our music and be as inspired by it as I was by Billy Fury."

Next year's awards will be held in November and Anna has been asked to perform for attendees after she serenaded the audience with a short karaoke rendition of 'What a Difference a Day Makes' by Dinah Washington. Anna will definitely reapply and encourage others to do so in 2024.