Tomorrow (31st October) is Halloween but more importantly it is the time that applications open for the second Johnny Marr Award which is open to any youngster who lives within the Salford boundaries that can show they have the potential to make a career in music. The Award which was set up by the Salford Foundation Trust is looking for it's second recipient and comes with a £1000 cash fund. Entries open on Halloween in a fitting tribute to the release of The Smiths breakthrough hit 'The Charming Man' which coincidently had its debut on the birthday of Marr who turns hits the big 60 this year. Last years winner, John Denton, smashed a sell out gig at Salford Lads Club with his band 'The Height' which is named after the area they live in Salford. The night gained rave reviews from music pundits and revellers alike. John Denton said: “The opportunity I’ve had with the Johnny Marr Award has been a dream. I ended up on so much radio, TV and in magazines. That was ok, but the best bit was the chance to actually improve my music with guitar and vocal lessons. I also met Johnny, and he even knew who I was!” Johnny Marr said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with the Salford Foundation Trust to launch this award, and to help John develop his musical career.” The Johnny Marr Award was launched in October 2022 with initial funding to run for three years. The award is not limited to guitarists or singers like John, and is open to any musical genre or style. The Salford Foundation Trust, which operates the Johnny Marr Award, has been supporting young people in Salford since 2004 with financial grants aimed at helping children pursue activities and hobbies which their families might not otherwise be able to afford. Peter Collins CBE, Managing Trustee from The Salford Foundation Trust, said: “We are delighted that John has been able to use the grant funding to such good effect and is already finding success as a musician. “We are now inviting applications to the second round of the award and are looking for another young person in Salford who has musical ambitions.” Applications open tomorrow and can be submitted via this link. So if you think you have the talent and what it takes to make it in the music industry then why not give it a try? Photos: (Left) Jonny Marr - Andy Cotterill | (Right) Salford Lads Club
