The Ivor Novello Awards, named after the Cardiff born entertainer Ivor Novello, are awards for songwriting and composing. The "Ivors" are presented yearly in London by the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters, and were first introduced in 1955.
The Awards, nicknamed "The Ivors", take place each May and are sponsored by the Performing Right Society. They are respected worldwide as the major platform for recognising and rewarding Britain's songwriting and composing talents. The "Ivors" are the only annual event to honour the music writer. The Award itself is a solid bronze sculpture of Euterpe - the muse of lyric poetry. Over 1000 statuettes have been awarded since 1955.
Past recipients include Iron Maiden, Amy Winehouse, Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens), The Darkness, The Feeling, Madonna, Jeff Lynne, Freddie Mercury (with Queen and solo), Brian May, Richard Thompson, David Bowie, Ray Davies, Martin Gore, Kate Bush, Eric Clapton, Sir John Dankworth, Cathy Dennis, John Lennon, Annie Lennox, Britney Spears, Sir Paul McCartney, Madness, Duran Duran, George Michael, Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, Pet Shop Boys, Dave Stewart, Sting, Robbie Williams, Gary Barlow, Iain Archer, Sir John Tavener, David Gilmour (with Pink Floyd & solo) and Kylie Minogue amongst others.
