Star Saxophonist Awarded Freedom of Ulverston: Jess Gillam Honored
Saxophonist Jess Gillam, 28, has been given the freedom of her hometown Ulverston by its town council. She received the honor before a full house of 560 people at the Coronation Hall, the first stage she ever played on.
Saxophonist Jess Gillam, 28, has been awarded the freedom of her hometown, Ulverston, by Ulverston Town Council, in a ceremony at the Coronation Hall on Friday. In a sign of how far the town's local stage has carried her, the star saxophonist was awarded freedom on the first stage she ever played on.
A full house of 560 people watched. Gillam was touring her latest album SHINE at the venue, known locally as the Coro. The album hit the top of the UK classical chart.
Ulverston's former mayor Shirley-Anne Wilson, who nominated Gillam for the honor, presented the award.
A career that began at seven
Gillam started playing the saxophone aged seven. She holds an MBE for services to music and has performed at major international venues.
She first organized concerts at the Coronation Hall aged 12. She went on to become the youngest BBC Radio 3 presenter, launching her own show, This Classical Life, which is now in its eighth season.
She has also made a guest appearance with Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra. At the World Saxophone Congress in Strasbourg, she was the youngest solo performer.
What the council and venue said
The council described Gillam as an "incredible talent" who had "helped put the town on the map". It also called her 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.
Rick Holden, general manager of the Coro, said the team was "proud to be part of her journey". Gillam played at the venue when she was at early school.
"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.
Gillam's reaction
Gillam called the evening "a huge honour", especially on the stage where she first played. She told the audience Ulverston was "brilliant".
She said she feels "so lucky to have grown up in such a brilliant town with such a supportive and generous community".
Her parents 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.
