I had a great time playing for the gala dinner at the North of England Wedding Awards at York Racecourse on Monday night. This event at the start of the season is a real highlight and an opportunity for people throughout the wedding industry to congregate and basically have a good old shindig celebrating their achievements. It’s lovingly organised by Liz Clark of The Wedding Guide and she certainly knows a lot of people in the business. Liz and her team work tirelessly to ensure an entertaining evening and getting The Wedding Guide magazine through the post with my advert in it is something I look forward to twice a year. Thanks Liz!

Last year was my first experience of the awards. This year, a bit wiser, I was less fazed by the vast sprawl of the Voltigeur Suite glamorously glitzed up for a gala evening. I had my music stand light with me so I could actually see my notes without being dazzled by the bright lights directed at the stage.

I’d prepared a setlist just for the event with some of my favourite background music for a spotlight performance. I started my set with the main theme from Back to the Future which I learnt for a fab wedding in June (thanks so much for your request Nikki and James - it’s a keeper!) I thought it was appropriate to include one of Lewis Capaldi’s greatest hits, Someone You Loved, seeing as I worked with Manchester Camerata at Capaldi’s gig at Croxteth Park in August (scroll down if you’d like to read more about this memorable performance.) I also included a seasonal favourite, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. I wanted to show that harp music isn’t just for weddings, just in case anyone thought I’d lost the plot. Music enhances every occasion and I played a variety of different styles of music reflecting different moods. I carefully selected familiar music that people would recognise - I like to think there was something for everyone.

I thoroughly enjoyed playing on Monday night. I was completely focused and in the zone and I think my performance went down well. It’s hard to gauge that with around 200 diners but I was delighted with how it went. I realised I’ve come a long way in 12 months in confidence and my understanding of the wedding industry.

If you were there on Monday night and you enjoyed my performance, why not book me to play at your special event? Christmas is coming and harpists aren’t just for weddings! And if you’re reading this blog, you may have worked out how much I enjoy the written word so do get in touch if you’d like me to do some blogging, writing, editing or copy for you.