Louise Dorrell - Impact of the Olly Irwin Award

Olly Irwin was a brilliant young musician, music engineer and much-loved member of the Worcestershire music scene. Since his sudden passing, Olly’s family have been raising money in his memory for charities and organisations that were close to his heart – including Severn Arts. 

To honour Olly’s memory, Severn Arts launched the Olly Irwin Award. This year we are partnering with The Music Works, with the aim of nurturing local talent, helping young people overcome barriers to music participation and supporting them to develop their musical ambitions. 

Henry Dorrell, an enthusiastic young musician from Harvington, was selected as the first recipient of the Olly Irwin Award in 2024. 

To share what the award can mean for young musicians, Henry’s mum, Louise Dorrell, answers a few questions about their experience. 

What first encouraged Henry to apply for the Olly Irwin Award? 

Henry was first encouraged to apply for the Olly Irwin Award after hearing about it from friends and family. 

What was it like for your family when Henry was announced as a winner, and what did that moment mean to him personally?

We were all so happy and excited when Henry was announced as the winner. Henry himself was ecstatic - it meant so much to him that he'd been chosen because people liked the music he'd sent in (to apply for the award) and to be a part of something so special. He was very touched by Olly's story, and felt proud to be able to carry on his legacy. 

Since winning, what impact has the award had on Henry’s confidence, opportunities, or ambitions? 

Henry's self confidence has grown so much through his musical journey. His mentorship was at BIMM Birmingham, and he just loved being in such an amazing space surrounded by all that equipment and expertise. He was 16, but decided that he really wanted to go to BIMM once he finished college.  We were all absolutely delighted in August when we found out he'd been accepted, and he is currently in his first year studying for a degree in songwriting. He also successfully applied to become a member of the B:Music Youth Board for a year, who are currently organising a Battle of the Bands event at Birmingham Symphony Hall.

For parents who might be wondering whether to encourage their child to apply this year, what would you say to them based on your experience? 

For any parents wondering whether their child should apply for the award, I'd say go for it! It is such a fantastic opportunity for them being in a studio. It will really ignite that musical spark in them, and it is such an exciting and positive experience. 
 
The Olly Irwin Award was the beginning of what is becoming an amazing musical journey for Henry.

In your experience, why do you think opportunities like the Olly Irwin Award are so valuable for young people to get involved in?

As a parent, I think the Olly Irwin Award is such a special opportunity for young people to start or further develop their musical journey. Music is important to so many people in so many different ways and can bring so much joy, whether it's recording, performing, composing or listening. It's a wonderful feeling when your child gets the opportunity to do something they love, continue learning through it and share it with others. We feel so lucky that Henry was given this opportunity and is continuing to study something he loves at university...and it all began with the Olly Irwin Award. 

All Worcestershire young people aged 15 – 17 years with an interest in music technology, DJ-ing and music recording looking for an opportunity to develop their skills in music production and music technology are invited to apply for the Award.   

The deadline for applications is Friday 27 February 2026.

Apply here