Roly Daniels leads special honours at Northern Ireland Country Music Awards 2027
Country music legend Roly Daniels will be honoured for his outstanding contribution to country music at the 7th Annual Northern Ireland Country Music Awards 2027 – Voted by the Public, on Monday 1 February 2027.
For the first time, Downtown Country Radio joins the awards as official media partner, bringing listeners exclusive interviews with performers and winners throughout the evening.
The awards return to the four-star Seagoe Hotel in Portadown, which hosted the very first NICMA’S in February 2020 and welcomed the event back in 2025.
Downtown Country presenter Paul McBride will co-host the ceremony with awards founder Malcolm McDowell. Ken Bruce will broadcast on Downtown Country from the Seagoe Hotel, chatting with the award winners and stars throughout the evening, while Jason Hughes anchors the coverage from the station’s Belfast studio.
The partnership also introduces the Downtown Country Listeners Award, a new category voted for by the public and open to every artist whose music is played on the station.
Born in Jabalpur, India, Daniels made Ireland his home and became one of its best-loved country entertainers. Known for his distinctive voice and commanding stage presence, he was named Ireland’s Honorary Music Ambassador to Tennessee through a Tennessee State Senate proclamation.
“Roly has been my favourite performer all my life, and I’ve been fortunate to call him a friend for decades,” said Malcolm. “His voice and the way he connects with an audience have always inspired me. It will be a privilege to honour him.”
The awards will also recognise Tony Allen of Foster and Allen and celebrate Trionagh Allen’s career as a backing vocalist with Daniel O’Donnell, leading Irish artists and visiting Nashville stars. Billy McFarland will be honoured for more than 70 years in entertainment, with Cavan Country Queen Kathy Durkin and TR Dallas recognised for their contributions to country music.
Multiple NICMA’S award winner Derek Ryan returns to a line-up that includes awards ambassador Gavin Gribben, Glór Tíre 2026 winner Jordan McPolin and Banjo Paddy Treacy. David Cassidy will pay tribute to Kris Kristofferson, and Kirsty Coard will perform her Dolly Parton tribute. The seven-piece NICMA’S House Band will back performers as emerging singers share the stage with established favourites.
The line-up brings together performers from all six counties of Northern Ireland, alongside visiting guest artists from the southern counties, including Clodagh Lawlor and Eamon Jackson, celebrating the depth and variety of talent within Irish country music.
Malcolm, a Fermanagh singer and entertainment journalist, founded the awards in 2019 alongside his lifelong friend and mentor, the late Trevor “Big T” Campbell of Downtown Country. The Big T Favourite Radio Presenter Award honours Campbell’s contribution to country radio.
Free public voting runs from Monday 14 December to Monday 28 December 2026. Fans can enter their choices directly on the online voting form, with no suggested names or shortlists. Winners will be announced on stage.
Voluntary donations through the NICMA’S have raised £18,000 for local charities to date. The 2027 charity will be announced in due course.
The evening runs from 8pm to midnight, with unreserved cabaret seating. Tickets cost £27.50 plus booking fee, exclusively through Eventbrite—an ideal Christmas gift for country music fans.
A special overnight rate of £159 per room, per night, including breakfast for two, is available for guests attending the awards. Contact Seagoe Hotel reception directly to book.
For voting, ticket information and updates, follow Northern Ireland Country Music Awards Supported by Downtown Country on Facebook.