Tony Wilson Awards
Salford Foundation Trust is delighted to announce that a special category of awards for young people has been named after the famous broadcaster and music entrepreneur Tony Wilson who died in 2007 from cancer.
The Tony Wilson Awards are made to children and young people who can demonstrate a special talent or ambition in the arts or creative skills, receive extra assistance in the form of grants to help them develop their talents.
Candidates are chosen by the Trustees in the usual way and Tony Wilson's partner of 17 years Yvette Livesey participates in the selection process.
At the launch of the awards in 2007 Yvette told an audience of over 100 parents, children and VIPs: "I know just how passionate Tony was about mentoring young people, nurturing talent and endeavour and how strongly he felt about giving children and young people the right opportunities in life whatever their circumstances.
"Tony was a great believer in the work carried out by Salford Foundation Trust and I know that he would be very proud to learn that special awards are to be made in his name and in his home city of Salford."
Tony Wilson attended De La Salle College and after going to Cambridge University he joined ITN as a journalism graduate before returning north to join Granada Television.
He set up Factory Records the company behind famous bands such as New Order, Happy Mondays and Joy Division and also ran one of the country's leading nightspots, the Hacienda in Manchester.
With his partner Yvette he launched "In The City," a huge international music industry festival, in 1992.
Tony Wilson who died after battling against cancer. Special awards will be made for young people who can show talent in the arts and creative skills.
Ceremony – New Order tribute to benefit Tony Wilson Award
Salford Foundation Trust thanks Marshall and Sonshine at the Florida-based recording company 24 Hour Service Station and the contributors to Ceremony – a New Order tribute album – for their support for the work of the Trust.
Young Salford people will now have greater opportunity to develop their musical skills and talents.
Not only is this a fitting tribute to the memory of Tony Wilson but it provides extra support for young people in a way that Tony would have applauded.