FOR a city that has had its fair share of turmoil and tragedy this year, what better way to celebrate the positives of Manchester than an awards ceremony praising the pride and resilience of the region.

The first ever Manchester Awards ceremony was held at the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel last night. The Awards celebrated the achievements of the Manchester community – the unsung citizens who fly under the radar and the businesses that work tirelessly to make a difference and contribute to the development of the city.

With nominations ranging from Best Pub, to Charity of the Year, the awards aimed to recognise the works of all genres, to allow not just each winner, but each nominee, to feel appreciated and special and the emotion was palpable as the winners took to the stage last night.

Best Sporting Venue Winners Anytime Fitness explained what it meant to them to win the award and what these awards mean to Manchester.

Irfan Younis, the CEO of organisers Creative Oceanic, said: “We are delighted by the support we have had from the public who have voted for their favourites to show them the appreciation they deserve. The awards aim to celebrate the most dedicated and successful professionals and businesses in Manchester.”

From the small business winner Farah Naz hairdressing to the delighted team from the fledging project Wythenshawe Community Initiative to the hotly contested Festival of the Year accolade, it was an evening which served as a reminder of the reasons we Mancunians should applaud our diversity.

An employee at the Crown and Kettle, the winner of Pub of the Year, explained, “The owners, the staff, everyone looks after each other. Not just the staff, we look after the customers as well like family.

“For all the months I’ve been there the attitude has been the same and I think that it will just continue to grow.”

There was an air of celebration, amidst laughter and tears when on a wet Tuesday night the great and the good came together to recognise the sheer talent present in the city on a plethora of platforms. It really was a night to remember, with attendees supporting the Make-A-Wish foundation to fundraise for local children and help make their dreams come true.

Click here to take a look at some of the winners on the night

Featured Image – https://www.flickr.com/photos/stopbits/3777015632
Winners of Anytime Fitness – Picture taken by me
Second soundcloud picture – https://pixabay.com/en/beer-drinks-mug-table-bar-2594986/

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