The John Kerr Award for English song was set up to draw the attention of both musicians and music lovers to the diversity of this English language musical art form.

We make our awards at our biennial competition, which include financial prizes and opportunities to perform at prestigious venues.

The purpose of our prizes is to:

  • enhance the knowledge and enjoyment for both performers and audiences of this rich musical genre
  • to keep this historical and current cultural art form alive.

The John Kerr Award also supports educational and artistic events featuring English Song.

We are delighted to announce that the final of 2024 Competition will now be held on Saturday, 9th November 2024 from 2pm – 7pm at St.Peter’s Church, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, TN40 2HE.

The 2024 Awards

The Christopher Ball First prize – £2,200
The Second Prize – £1,100
The Accompanist Prize – £600
The Best Individual Song Prize – £250

Please see the competition page for further details.