Ulverston Saxophonist Jess Gillam Awarded Freedom Of Her Hometown
Ulverston-born saxophonist Jess Gillam has received the Freedom of the Town award, recognising her international success and lasting connection with her Cumbrian hometown.
The 28-year-old musician received the honour on Friday, November 6, at the Coronation Hall, known locally as the Coro. The presentation took place during her concert with the Jess Gillam Ensemble, as she brought her latest album, SHINE, to the venue where her musical journey first began.
The award was presented by former Ulverston Mayor Councillor Shirley-Anne Wilson, who nominated Gillam for the recognition. Current Mayor Councillor Paul Smith was also in attendance for the occasion, which formed a special part of the evening's concert programme.
The performance attracted a full house of 560 people, with the audience witnessing the presentation alongside the musical programme. The occasion was particularly meaningful because the Coronation Hall was the first stage Gillam ever performed on, making the recognition a return to an important place in her early career.
Gillam began learning the saxophone at the age of seven and quickly developed into one of Britain's best-known classical saxophonists. Her achievements include performing at major international venues and appearing with leading orchestras, while her work has helped bring wider attention to the saxophone as a solo instrument.
Her connection with the Coro goes back to childhood. At the age of 12, she was already organising concerts at the venue, demonstrating an early interest not only in performing but also in bringing music and audiences together in her hometown.
Gillam later made history by becoming the youngest presenter on BBC Radio 3. She launched the programme This Classical Life, which introduced audiences to a broad range of classical music and explored the stories behind performers and compositions.
Her career has also included appearances with Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra. She became the youngest solo performer at the World Saxophone Congress in Strasbourg, further establishing her reputation on the international music scene.
In recognition of her contribution to music, Gillam was awarded an MBE for services to music in 2021. She has continued to perform internationally while maintaining strong links with Ulverston and supporting opportunities for music in the town.
Her latest album, SHINE, reached the top of the UK Classical Chart. The Ulverston concert was part of the album tour and gave local audiences an opportunity to see the musician perform in the town where she grew up.
Following the presentation, Gillam described receiving the award as a huge honour, particularly because it was given on the first stage she had ever played. She also spoke warmly about Ulverston, describing the town as brilliant and expressing her appreciation for the community that supported her development.
Gillam has also credited her family and the local community with helping shape her journey. Her parents run Gillam's, a tearoom and grocers that has been part of the family since 1894. She explained that working there and meeting local people had contributed to her connection with the town.
Councillor Wilson nominated Gillam in recognition of her exceptional talent and the positive representation she has brought to Ulverston. The town council described her as a fantastic ambassador who has helped put the town on the map.
The council also highlighted her importance as a role model for young musicians, noting her continued dedication to her hometown and its residents. Her achievements demonstrate how someone who began performing locally can go on to build an internationally recognised career while maintaining close ties with their community.
Rick Holden, general manager of the Coro, said the venue was proud to have been part of Gillam's journey. He recalled her early performances at the hall and welcomed her return as an internationally recognised musician, describing the award presentation as an especially memorable moment for the audience.
The Freedom of the Town honour recognises not only Gillam's musical achievements but also the relationship she has maintained with Ulverston throughout her career. Her return to the Coronation Hall for the presentation brought that connection into focus, celebrating a local talent whose success continues to raise the profile of her hometown.
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