Singer, songwriter and musician Gary Lightbody became the first ever recipient of the "Outstanding Contribution to Music" award at the NI Music prize in Ulster Hall, Belfast on November 15th.

Bestowed in association with Oh Yeah Music Centre and Inspire Wellbeing, the award recognized his exceptional contribution to music throughout his career, as well as his active role in supporting grassroots and emerging acts from Northern Ireland.

Lightbody started out in the band Shrug in 1994, (later known as Polar Bear), and since then has worked with a number of high profile artists including Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift and One Direction in addition to becoming a multi-platinum selling, award-winning singer/songwriter with Snow Patrol.

After receiving the Phil Lynott Best New Band Award in 1999 at the Hot Press awards, Snow Patrol went on to win accolades such as "Best Irish Band" and "Best Irish Album" at the Meteor Awards, and scooping the "Most Downloaded Song" for "Chasing Cars" in 2007. Their album Eyes Open topped over three million sales in Europe alone.

The County Down native has also been involved in a number of side projects to support emerging musical talent in the North which was recognized at the awards ceremony on November 15th. He played a huge role in setting up the Oh Yeah Music Centre in Belfast and established the Third Bar, a Belfast based Artist Development business set up to support Northern Irish Artists in the advancement of their careers.