Original Music Awards celebrate Dorset’s music scene

A set of special awards were also handed out to honour those whose music, and the circumstances in which it is made, call for wider recognition. The acclaimed musician PJ Harvey received a special award for her contribution to local music, with the panel praising the way she kept Dorset at the “heart” of her work. In a recorded message, Harvey said she was honoured and very grateful for the award.

The organisers said: “In the three years the OMAs have existed, musician across Dorset have been motivated by their recognition and have been spurred on to writing, performing, and releasing more incredible music. Venues that held live music nights have increased their frequency after they’ve realised that it is what people are asking for, catering for the appetite they’ve seen from winners and nominees of the OMAs.”