Local musicians will take part in one of the UK’s most prestigious music awards tomorrow.

The BBC Folk Awards takes place on Wednesday, April 4, from the Waterfront Theatre, Belfast, and will feature four musicians who are from or live in the island, nominated in three categories.

Fiddle player Tom Callister and bouzouki player Adam Rhodes,who are both Manx and currently live in Glasgow, have been nominated in the ’Horizon’ category, for their album, ’Afterlight’, which they released with their group ’Imar’.

Local young harpist Mera Royle was a surprise nomination for the Young Folk award.

She travelled to Kendal in January to take part in a weekend of workshops and sessions led Eliza Carthy, alongside nine other acts, with four being selected to travel to Belfast for the finals.

Also, the Welsh folk group Alaw, featuring top accordionist Jamie Smith, who lives in Peel, have been nominated for the best traditional song, for their version of the Welsh folk ballad Lisa Lâ*.

Tom, who is currently in the middle of a mammoth European tour, playing with the Kelly Band alongisde Adam, said that they are both excited to be part of the awards, and that they hope they all do the island proud.

’We can’t wait for the BBC Radio 2 folk awards,’ said Tom.

’It’s an honour to be nominated and we’re so happy so many Manx musicians are being recognised in an unprecedented way.

’These are some of the most prestigious awards in the world of Trad and folk music and we wish everyone the best of luck, but especially the Manx ones. Up the Manx!’

The awards will be broadcast live on Radio 2, in a show hosted by Mark Radcliffe.