New Olly Irwin Award Winner Announced 2025

We are excited to announce that Ayana Govin has been selected as the winner of the Olly Irwin Award 2025 – an award set up in memory of local musician Olly Irwin who sadly passed away in Worcester in 2021. 

Now in its second year, the award honours Olly’s legacy by supporting young musicians in Worcestershire to develop their skills and overcome barriers to pursuing a career in music. As this year’s winner, Ayana will receive 10 hours of professional studio time at The Music Works in Gloucester, including mentoring support to help her develop her skills and confidence as a young musician, plus a £500 grant to spend on music equipment of her choice. 

Ayana is a dedicated and self-taught musician who impressed us with her heartfelt application. She plays ukulele, bass guitar, and electric guitar and has performed in school orchestras, at local jam nights, and even on stage at Sunshine Festival. With aspirations to study music technology, this award will help her gain the skills, confidence, and guidance she needs to take the next step. 

Ayana said: “I'm incredibly grateful and honored to have been chosen as the winner of the Olly Irwin Award 2025. This opportunity means so much to me, not just because of the amazing support it offers, but also because it carries the legacy of someone who clearly had a big impact on the local music scene. 

Music has always been a huge part of my life, it’s not just a hobby, it’s something I truly love with all my heart. It’s how I express myself, how I cope, and how I connect with the world around me. 

As a self-taught musician, it hasn’t always been easy finding the resources or guidance to help me move forward, so winning this award feels like a real turning point. I’m especially excited about the professional studio time and mentoring, it’s a chance for me to grow, learn new skills, and build the confidence I need to pursue music more seriously. It's lovely to be recognized for the thing I am so passionate about.  

Thank you so much to everyone involved in the Olly Irwin Award. I’m really looking forward to making the most of this opportunity and continuing to develop as a young musician.” 

The Irwin family said: “The Olly Irwin Award came about through the generous donations of family and friends from the first Ollyfest in 2022. The award is intended to continue Olly's legacy by supporting young musicians, giving them guidance to further their careers and aspirations within the music industry. We are grateful to Severn Arts for helping to make this happen and we hope that this year's recipient of the award, Ayana, will benefit greatly from receiving this additional support. We would like to wish her well.” 

Ayana will now work with professional studio engineers to bring her music to life, gaining hands-on experience and leaving with a finished product she can be proud of.