Southland’s biggest night in music is back — and it’s bigger than ever.

The Southland Musicians Club has announced the return of the ILT Southland Music Awards Show 2025, set to take place on Saturday, 18 October at ILT Stadium Southland.

This year’s event marks a new chapter, combining the beloved Southland Entertainment Awards with the prestigious Southland Music Hall of Fame, promising an unforgettable evening that honours both emerging and legendary local talent.

The awards show will feature live performances from Hall of Fame inductees Rima Barlow, Leon McElhinney, and Michelle Lange, alongside the six finalists vying for the title of Southland Entertainer of the Year: Khellsey-Anna Atley, Brendon Fairbairn, Lachie Hayes, Devin Ledington, Maia Pareiha-Fletcher, and Simon Thompson.

The audience will have the chance to vote for their favourite performer, with public votes contributing to the final decision alongside a panel of three judges.

The night will also reveal winners across a wide range of categories, celebrating Southland’s vibrant music scene.

Guitarist of the Year (Jason Taylor Vehicle Sales)

• Michael Crook
• Shaydon Diack
• Leon Wilks

Bass Player of the Year (Amplify Coffee)

• Rima Barlow
• Chris Chilton
• Leon McElhinney
• Brad Smart

Drummer of the Year (Team Hanna, James and Bridget at Ray White)

• Roger Chilton
• Daniel Harrison
• Jacob Hewton

Keyboards Player of the Year (Kennedy School of Music)

• Marcus Crowe
• David Glass
• Daniel Monteath

Special Achievement Award (La Muse)

• Steven Page for Give Way – The Musical

Southland Music Ambassador (Selector Uniforms)

• Darren Matthiasen (Shapeshifter, Kora, Deva Mahal, Hollie Smith)

Band of the Year (Gig Guide Invercargill)

• Khellsey-Anna band
• Theorem
• Hitmen

Album of the Year (Windsor Motors Honda)

• Khellsey-Anna – No One Else Gets It
• Brenny and the Bushwhackers – The Land of the Rolling R
• Lachie Hayes – Subsatellite

Frank Prattley Award (Southland Musicians Club)

• Lachlan McGregor

Vocalist of the Year (Malloch McClean Invercargill)

Khellsey-Anna Atley

Saelyn Guyton

Devin Ledington

CLICK HERE to secure your tickets.

Whether you're a longtime supporter of Southland’s music scene or a newcomer looking to discover local talent, this is a night not to be missed.