TELEVISION channel Brit Asia TV is to stage its first glittering music awards ceremony at Symphony Hall in May. 

Entertainment on the night will include exclusive performances from the best of British and international Asian Artists.

Launched in April 2008, Brit Asia TV on Sky Channel 833 is the only entertainment television channel targeting all generations of Asians within the UK and Europe. 

Its BATV Music Awards will take place on Sunday May 2 during the Bank Holiday weekend and is set to feature some of the biggest names in Bhangra and British Asian Music, as well as featuring popular UK urban influences. 

The event is set to become an annual celebration of British Asian Music to showcase the best talent this country continues to produce.

Music lovers can vote for any artist via the new website: www.britasiamusicawards.com. The website enables fans to nominate any artist of their choice in 14 categories and includes interactive features, social media links, competitions and ticket details.

Award nominees – the artists with the highest votes – will be announced at a Media Launch party at Coventry’s prestigious Ricoh Arena on March 31, which will be broadcast on Brit Asia TV.

This announcement will confirm the shortlist of six artists who have achieved the highest number of votes in each of the 14 award categories through Brit Asia TV’s open public voting system.

Viewers have until March 28 to vote for their favourite artist. Each category winner will be announced exclusively on Brit Asia TV and phone lines will then open. 

Nominees with the highest number of phone votes will be counted and verified by an independent adjudicator and announced as ‘Category Award Winner’ at Symphony Hall. 

Renowned international Bhangra producer, Sukshinder Shinda commented: "Encouraging the Brit Asia Music Awards is important because they will be a perfect opportunity to showcase eminent, current and up-and-coming talent to a wider audience "The awards will finally recognise and show the British public the quality of music being produced and celebrate established artists’ hard work."

Tickets for the event will be on sale via the Symphony Hall Box office from today and via www.chillitickets.com from March 22, priced £27.50, £49.40 & £75. For additional enquiries please call 0870 818 0000.