Ivor Novello Awards: Richard Ashcroft, The 1975, Mariah Carey and Wiley among winners

Richard Ashcroft, The 1975, Wiley and Mariah Carey were among the winners honoured at this year's Ivor Novello Awards.

The 1975 followed their big wins at the Brits earlier this year with two Ivors, picking up the gongs for songwriters of the year and best contemporary song, for Love It If We Made It.

Joy As An Act Of Resistance by Idles was named best album, while Ben Howard picked up the award for best song musically and lyrically, for Nica Libres at Dusk.

Now in its 64th year, the ceremony celebrates excellence in British and Irish songwriting and composing, and also recognises a number of artists for their wider contribution to UK music.

The Ivors inspiration award went to "godfather of grime" Wiley, for his role in shaping a hugely innovative and uniquely British genre.

Speaking to Sky News alongside his proud dad Richard Cowie after stepping off stage, he said: "This one means a lot because my dad gave me the gift of music."

Wiley said his father had been an inspiration to him growing up. "To be inspired and to inspire is a good thing."

"Music has saved a lot of me and my friends… It kept us away from harm's way."

Mr Cowie said: "I'm feeling extra proud today because this is such a prestigious award. It's amazing."

After picking up the prize for outstanding contribution to British music, Ashcroft told Sky News: "It's a great honour.

"With the Ivors, you know [the judges] are all fellow writers, musicians, people who care."

Ashcroft also said he wasn't a fan of bringing politics into music awards shows.

"Music is beyond politics, it's higher, it's a different level. We're dealing in something that's way more powerful."

Carey, who won the special international award for her "extraordinary global talent", was unable to attend the ceremony but said in a statement: "I rarely get acknowledged for my songwriting, which is the core of who I am, so I thank you so much for this incredible honour."

Guests at the event in central London included Stormzy, Ricky Wilson, Edith Bowman and James Blunt, who all presented awards.

Announcing the prize for Idles, Stormzy said that being recognised by the Ivors made you "100% a winner" and that "this is the one that matters".

Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood also picked up an award, for best original film score for Phantom Thread, starring Daniel Day-Lewis.

"It's an award that's rooted in other musicians and composers and their enthusiasm for music and the weird community that we all make up, and that's a lovely thing to celebrate," he said.

Greenwood said the Ivors felt "less frivolous and more serious" than other awards ceremonies.

Dido, who announced her comeback with her first album in six years earlier in 2019, was presented with the award for outstanding song collection, while Deep Purple were given the award for international achievement.

Speaking after receiving the gong, singer Ian Gillan said: "The Ivors are songwriting awards and very special so it's a great honour."

Bassist Roger Glover said: "When your peers appreciate you it couldn't be much better."

Asked whether they would be partying to celebrate, drummer Ian Paice replied: "Life is a party."