Downtown Country’s Big T celebrates triple award success

CONGRATULATIONS BIG T 🏆

Author: Emma DicksonPublished 17th Feb 2023
Last updated 17th Feb 2023

The Northern Ireland Country Music Awards celebrated the best of Ireland’s country stars last week at the Tullyglass Hotel in Ballymena.

A host of local artists stars including Derek Ryan, Robert Mizzell, Lee Matthews, Patricia Maguire and Shauna McStravock took part.

Of course, such a glamorous evening would not be complete without the Queen of Country, Philomena Begley.

Queen of Country Philomena Begley with Bauer Media Audio NI's Managing Director David Tighe (Left) and Downtown Country's Big T (Right)

Derek Ryan scooped three awards on the night - ‘Best Male Artist’, ‘Best Live Act’ and ‘Best Songwriter’.

Downtown Country’s very own Trevor Campbell, known in the business as Big T, was also recognised at the red-carpet event.

One of the earliest voices on Downtown Radio, Big T has been broadcasting for over 40 years.

He was one of the original line-up of presenters which included Candy Divine, John Paul Ballintine and Michael 'Hendi' Henderson.

Winning ‘Favourite Radio Presenter’ for the third year running, Big T was delighted to be a part of such a special evening.

“It's really nice to win any award, but winning this one three years in a row is wonderful. It means more because it’s voted by the public, listeners don't just tick a box, they specifically write your name down.”

The country music scene is thriving and arguably more popular now more than ever.

“Contrary to what you read and hear, country music has always been very big in Ireland,” explains Big T.

“But it is getting so much more publicity now with so many young artists getting into the business.”

You can listen to Big T weeknights from 7pm on Downtown Country

Tune into Northern Ireland’s number 1 for Country music, Downtown Country on online, on the Rayo app, your DAB radio, or say ‘Play Downtown Country’ on your Smart Speaker. We play you the best Irish and American country music, from Victoria Quinn in the morning, to Big T’s legendary evening Country show.