At the heart of every music scene is a group of local people with a passion for music. They could be loyal gig goers, promoters, bands, solo artists, or venues, who for the most part work hard to make their scene what it is. This is rewarded in Chelmsford Essex through the medium of the Panic Awards, an annual event that seeks to award the best music, venues, and event organisers across the town.

Giving the power to the people, nominations are accepted from the public, with the final shortlist going out to public vote as well. Yes, apart from the Best Newcomer Award, which is decided by a different media judge each year, this is something that’s mainly decided by the public, which is where you come in!

If you live in or near Chelmsford, organise or attend gigs in the area, or are a local band/artist, then it’s time to rally the voting public, and campaign for your rightful place on the Panic Awards 2010 shortlist. You can invite people to nominate by asking them to paste the categories below, with their nominations into an email, and sending them to panicawardsnominations@googlemail.com by Feb 6th. The top four in each category, and top eight, up for best band, will then be up for the public vote, which will close at the end of Feb. The whole thing will culminate in a fun filled musical evening at the Civic Theatre in Chelmsford, where everyone from across the arts/music scene will gather to celebrate, network, and generally bask in the glory of what is an excellent arts and music scene. Details of the award show are yet to be revealed, but it’s been booked for the beginning of April, so stay tuned for more details, and in the meantime GET NOMINATING!

2010 Panic Awards Chelmsford: Voting Categories

Best Band

Best Solo Performer

Best Venue

Best One Off Event

Best Independent Promoter

Best Club Night

Best DJ

Best Local Theatre Production