Probably the best way to decide it would be if we all go and play football somewhere

Rick McMurray Ash

Nominated for four of those awards are Downpatrick band Ash, who will open Thursday's show with their hit single Burn Baby Burn.

"It's a good way to kick off a show, because it's full-on energy," said singer Tim Wheeler during a short break in rehearsals on Wednesday.

The band will also perform the song Debaser by indie legends The Pixies along with members of fellow-nominees The Frames.

Ash admit that competition for the awards is extremely strong.

"I was just looking at all the other nominations in our categories and it's so tough you can't really call it," drummer Rick McMurray said.

"Probably the best way to decide it would be if we all go and play football somewhere."

'Laid back'

Proving that there's no place like home, Tim and Rick spoke of their relief to be attending an awards ceremony in Belfast.

"I think it's more informal and more fun - generally a lot looser and more laid-back," Rick said.

"It's a good crowd," agreed Tim,

Ash are nominated for Best Group, Best Album, Best Single and Best Live Performance.

"It's going to be a blast," Rick said.

Also taking part in Thursday's awards is Belfast singer and songwriter Brian Kennedy, who said the star-studded line-up could only be good for the city.

Staying Together: Brian Kennedy and Cara Dillon

"I always feel a particular thrill when I look around the room and see all these global people half a mile from where I grew up," Brian said.

"All of a sudden there's a global spotlight, people like U2 bringing their spotlight with them to Belfast."

Brian will be performing a duet of the Al Green song Let's Stay Together with new folk star Cara Dillon, which it seems is a dream come true for the County Londonderry singer.

"I am absolutely thrilled because I am a big fan and I always have been," said Cara.

"There was no-one else available, they asked about eight other people (before me)," quipped Brian, before adding: "It's sounding good and it's good to put a spin on a song that's probably well known in a particular arrangement."

Results

Cara, already the winner of two BBC folk awards this year, is nominated for the Roots award, but insists just being part of the event is the most important thing.

"For me it's not really about winning an award. It's getting up and getting a chance to perform," she said.

"I'm very excited about it, and it's fantastic to get an opportunity to do it."

Cara and Brian agreed rehearsals had been going well, and they joked there had been no fallout or fights so far.

Thursday's winners will be decided by a panel which includes the leading critics and broadcasters from newspapers, television and radio stations all over Ireland.

The Irish Music Awards will be broadcast on BBC One Northern Ireland on Friday 26 April at 2235 BST and on BBC Choice at 1900BST on Sunday.

A full run-down of the awards will be available on BBC News Online on Thursday night.