Westcoast Rising Star Award, Winner announced!
Published date: 24 January 2025
Westcoast has been part of Henley Festival, the UK's only black-tie music and arts festival, from the very beginning! It is more than just an unmissable event; it's a charity dedicated to supporting the next generation of talent through its RISE programme, and the Westcoast RISING Star Award.
In 2025 Westcoast and Henley Festival are thrilled to present the second-ever award to Manchester-based singer-songwriter Hetta Falzon. Known for her honest and vulnerable song-writing, Hetta draws on jazz, pop, and classical influences to create a unique melodic style that moves people.
Hetta shares, "I feel so honoured to have won this award and to be part of such a wonderful event and community with RISE. I'm excited to share the stage with so much talent and feel lucky to be a small part of something so great!"
In 2024 Westcoast awarded KATYA, a singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist, the inaugural Westcoast RISING Star Award. Commenting on how this award, and subsequent recognition, has impacted her, KATYA said:
“Receiving Henley Festival’s ‘Westcoast RISING star award’ in 2024 was a huge confidence boost. It gave me significant exposure including interviews in various publications and on BBC radio. This kind of support and exposure is invaluable, particularly for artists like myself who are fully independent.
Since performing at Henley Festival, I’ve toured the UK opening for Paul Carrack …which culminated with a special show at the Royal Albert Hall … I have been selected as a PRS (Paul Reed Smith guitars) Pulse Artist for 2025. I’m halfway through the release of my debut EP.”
Jo Bausor, CEO of Henley Festival, said "It’s an honour to continue our RISE programme, supporting young and emerging artists by offering paid opportunities to perform, exhibit, or complete work placements. It's at the core of everything we do, and there's no greater privilege than helping these incredible young artists and students kickstart their careers across the cultural spectrum."
Jess Tyley, Chief Marketing Officer at Westcoast, added, "We are thrilled to continue supporting Henley Festival’s RISE programme, recognising its crucial role in promoting up-and-coming musicians during these challenging times for grassroots music. We are excited to sponsor the Westcoast Rising Star Award in 2025, honouring the incredibly gifted Hetta Falzon. This award highlights our dedication to fostering and celebrating the promising future of artists who make significant contributions to the dynamic music industry."
Henley Festival have today released their full line up for this year’s event taking place between 9-13 July 2025. Get ready for five enchanting summer nights filled with world-class music, comedy, and more! Full info and tickets here: Henley Festival | Wednesday 9th to Sunday 13th July 2025
