Star saxophonist awarded freedom of hometown

Star saxophonist Jess Gillam has been awarded the freedom of her hometown on the first stage she ever played on.

Ulverston Town Council described Gillam - who started playing saxophone aged seven, has performed at major international venues and holds an MBE for services to music - as an "incredible talent" and had "helped put the town on the map".

The 28-year-old first organised concerts at the Coronation Hall aged 12 and went on to make history as the youngest BBC Radio 3 presenter, launching her own show called ​This Classical Life, which is now in its eighth season.

She was presented with the award to a full house of 560 people at the same venue on Friday, adding Ulverston was "brilliant".

Gillam was touring her latest album SHINE at the Coro, which hit the top of the UK classical chart.

The saxophonist has made a guest appearance with Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra and was the youngest solo performer at the World Saxophone Congress in Strasbourg.

"It was a huge honour to receive this award, especially on stage at the Coronation Hall - the first stage I ever played on," Gillam said.

Rick Holden, who is the general manager of the venue, also known as the Coro, said the team was "proud to be part of her journey", with Gillam playing at the venue when she was at early school.

"She's now internationally recognised and it's a great honour for us to have her return here in her hometown," he said.

Gillam said she feels "so lucky to have grown up in such a brilliant town with such a supportive and generous community".

"My mum and dad run Gillam's, a tearoom and grocers that has been in the family since 1894, so working there and meeting so many people has also definitely helped," she said.

Ulverston's former mayor Shirley-Anne Wilson, who nominated Gillam for the accolade, presented her with the award.

The council described her as a "fantastic ambassador" for Ulverston.

"As an excellent role model for young musicians, Jess remains dedicated to her hometown of Ulverston and its residents," the council wrote in a post.

"It was a much-anticipated performance as it was being sold out, but seeing her being given the award just elevated the crowd further," Holden said.

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