To win an Ivor Novello is the top song writing award, and is very highly respected in the music industry. Stephen Fry often champions this prestigious award on his Twitter account, which is widely followed due to his regular and witty musings. This year, singer Lily Allen will be up against a group of relative unknowns to win one of the coveted awards.

Nominated for the best song “musically and lyrically” is a track called ‘The Last Bus’ by Patch William, who are a group made up of four ex students from Bristol University. The band are practically unheard of, and are signed to independent record label ‘Chrysalis Music’. They spoke of how they used to gaze in awe at the two Ivor Novello statues in the entrance to their label’s building, but never imagined that they would one day be nominated themselves. Just the nomination alone is bound to raise their profile, and could be exactly what they needed to get into the public eye. Patch William have been played on BBC Introducing, which may have been enough to put them in the running for this songwriter’s award.

Lily Allen has already experienced the dizzy heights of success, but she is also in the running to win an Ivor Novello award for her number one song, ‘The Fear’. Clever, brutally honest lyrics combined with a catchy melody made the tune an instant hit for the cheeky songstress. It was a particular favourite of our English escorts.

Other well known artists in the running include Dizzee Rascal with his smash hit ‘Bonkers’ for the best contemporary song, along with La Roux’s ‘In for the Kill’ and ‘Daniel’ by Bat for Lashes.

The Leisure Society are up for an award for the second year running, but still have not managed to break the big time. Their contribution is the song ‘Save it for Someone Who Cares’. Last year they were nominated despite being unpublished musicians, but didn’t manage to take home an award. They are hoping for more success this year, as they are up against the previously mentioned Patch Williams.

This will be the 55th annual ceremony for these British Awards, and it will be held on the 20th May at Grosvenor House. The turn out is expected to be as star studded as usual, with all of the top names in the music industry making an appearance.

This year, the Ivor Novellos will be launching a brand new award for the best musical score for a video game. Everyone involved will be keeping their fingers crossed in the hope of a win!