£0.00

No products in the basket.

11 July 2025

Subscribe

£0.00

No products in the basket.

I Love Manchester Awards logo

2025

Shortlist revealed!

#ILoveMCRAwards

The inclusive Manchester awards event - powered by pride, driven by community.

The I Love Manchester Awards – Celebrating Manchester’s Best

The official I Love Manchester Awards celebrates the heart of our city with a contemporary show that champions people, sparks civic pride and brings our brand values to life.

The first I Love Manchester Awards took place in 2023, welcoming 800 guests for a truly unforgettable night. With no detail spared, it became the biggest awards event the city has ever seen, created to celebrate the spirit of Manchester and the people who make it special.

At its heart, the I Love MCR Awards is about recognising the everyday heroes of Greater Manchester – the individuals, groups, and projects quietly making a real difference. For well over a decade, I Love MCR has stood for unity, kindness, and civic pride. These awards bring that mission to life on stage, offering a powerful platform for inspiring stories.

We believe the people who shape this city deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Whether it’s a community champion, a volunteer, or a grassroots project bringing people together, these stories matter.

Receiving an I Love MCR Award is more than a moment of recognition – it’s something meaningful, backed by a trusted city-wide brand.

 

Every penny raised on the night goes directly to local charities, including Forever Manchester (Registered Charity No. 1017504) and Mustard Tree (1135192), helping fund vital work and projects across the region.

 

This isn’t just an awards show. It’s a lasting tribute to the heart of our city – its people. Join us on 26 November 2025 at the iconic Manchester Central for another unforgettable night of celebration and pride.

 

A legacy event designed to live forever.

Speakers and special guests 2023

Will Mellor

Actor/Presenter

Gemma Atkinson

Actor/Presenter

Andy Burnham

Mayor of Greater Manchester

Yasmine Dar

Lord Mayor of Manchester

Bev Craig

Leader of Manchester City Council

Location

Manchester Central is an award-winning, iconic venue in the heart of the city. Formerly known as the GMEX, it was opened by Her Majesty The Queen in 1986 and has hosted legendary acts including The Smiths, The Happy Mondays, Oasis and Take That.

Just a short walk from Manchester’s top hotels, the venue is easily accessible by train, tram and road. It’s just over two hours from London by rail, with direct links from major UK cities. Once in Manchester, The Bee Network makes getting around simple and convenient.

[sales_countdown_timer id=”salescountdowntimer”]

"Incredible night!!! The event celebrates everything Manchester has to offer, from community and culture to hospitality and business. Can't wait for next year already!"

Gemma Atkinson

Actor and presenter

“There is nothing else like it in the city. The biggest and best awards - that’s not just food and drink - I’ve ever been to. It’s a show more than just a ceremony. If this year’s event is even half as good as the last one, it will be awesome!! Do not miss it.”

Matty White

Presenter

"I wanted to give my heartfelt gratitude for an absolutely spectacular evening. The event was simply fantastic! The music was extraordinary, the food delicious, and the speech was inspiring. Thank you for such an incredible experience."

Yasmine Dar

Lord Mayor of the City of Manchester

"A triumph! An absolutely brilliant evening with so much love in the room. Thank you and congratulations to the fantastic I Love Manchester team."

Lisa Morton

Founder & CEO of Roland Dransfield

"One of the best awards nights EVER! It was an honour and pleasure to have played my part in helping to choose the winners as a judge, which was REALLY hard. Massive shout out has to go to Chris Greenhalgh and the team involved - you pulled it off seamlessly."

Carl Austin-Behan

Former Lord Mayor of the City of Manchester

"Such a wonderful evening celebrating I Love Manchester. For the love of Manchester, massive congratulations to all the nominees, award winners and also to I Love MCR for delivering an incredible night - smashed it!"

Diane Modahl

Sport England

"WHAT A NIGHT. A fantastic event, a superb evening, perfectly put together! A celebration of Manchester's best, its people, its businesses and its inimitable vibe."

Simon Wood

Chef and Restauranteur

"Must be the best awards event I’ve been to - and I’ve been to a few. Congratulations for putting smiles on so many faces."

Chris Marsh

Managing Director at Agents Of

“I’ve been to many awards events and I have to say last night was the new benchmark for celebrating Manchester and its people! What an incredible night."

Justin Eagleton

Artist

"Unreal. The whole experience was unique. It was BIG with a LOT of people but felt small in a way. Intimate and the whole thing was very well organised. Thank you so much. Congratulations."

Nelson Beaumont-Laurencia

Beaumont Organic

"I Love Manchester... Literally! This night was special and celebrating Manchester's finest. The vibe was unrivalled as over 750 guests celebrated each other. An honour to be part of such a high profile event."

Tom Pitfield

Co-founder of Brood Magazine

"A truly beautiful evening at the I Love Manchester Awards 2023 with so many fantastic businesses and inspiring people. Huge thanks to I Love MCR for promoting our city brilliantly. Congratulations to all the award winners – you truly deserve it. I definitely love Manchester!"

Stephen Hobson

IT Specialist at Apex Computing Services

"We had such an amazing night! The event was fantastic, so well organised and the atmosphere was brilliant. We are still on cloud nine. This year has been rather awful so far for us - but last night changed everything. When hearing the speech, I couldn't agree more. Manchester is a very special place! So thank you again!"

Jutta Payton

Attendee

"An amazing event celebrating the very best of Manchester. Congratulations to all winners and ever single person nominated (you're all winners)."

Ric Moylan

High Performance Coach

Buy Tickets / Tables

Award Show Ticket(s)

£195 (+VAT)

  • Welcome drink
  • Premium banqueting menu
  • Live entertainment
  • Charity donation*

Standard Table

£1875 (+VAT)

  • Table for 10
  • Welcome drinks
  • Premium banqueting menu
  • Live entertainment
  • Take-home gifts
  • Charity donation*

Most-Loved Table

£2200 (+VAT)

  • Premium Table for 10
  • Welcome cocktails
  • Premium banqueting menu
  • Drinks package
  • Live entertainment
  • Take-home gifts
  • Charity donation*

Free tickets

The I Love Manchester Awards is an inclusive, community-driven event funded independently with support from our sponsors. We want every finalist to be celebrated in person, but we understand that attending can be costly.

 

To stay true to our values, we offer complimentary tickets** and discounted tables*** to shortlisted charities, community groups, disabled people, and carers. This includes a premium dining experience and live entertainment.

Dress code

Black tie is preferred for the I Love MCR Awards, but the event is inclusive and open to all. If black tie isn’t possible, please wear smart attire.

Terms and conditions

*Charity donation is 10% of profits from tickets and tables.
**One free ticket per registered charity, community interest company (CIC), disabled person or carer (under the Equality Act).
***Registered charities receive a 10% discount and zero VAT invoices.

If you’re shortlisted and would like to claim your free ticket, please email your registration details to [email protected].

Award Categories

The I Love Manchester Awards is an inclusive celebration of the people, projects, and cultural life that make Greater Manchester so special. It shines a spotlight on the heart of our communities – the individuals and organisations driving real, positive change.

 

Each nomination is carefully considered against clear criteria and our core brand values. It’s not about popularity, followers, or reach – it’s about impact, passion, and the difference people make.

 

This is your opportunity to recognise and honour the everyday heroes who bring colour, energy, and pride to our city region.

You can also send your nomination entry as a video file or voice recording via email to: [email protected]

Most-Loved Community Hero

For the person who shows heart, hustle and humanity. A natural leader whose energy and values lift those around them and make a lasting difference in their community.

Alex McCann

Craig Henderson

Dennis Baldwin

Frank Rothwell

Javeno McLean

Jillian Alexander

Grace Cameron

Joe Amos

Most-Loved Community Group

Celebrating a grassroots group or project bringing people together, championing inclusivity, and making local life better. This award honours those who live and breathe community spirit and collective wellbeing.

Angels United

Dancing with Dementia

Dianne Oxberry Trust

FC United of Manchester

Lifeshare Breakfast Volunteers

Women in STEM

Manchester Youth Zone

The Edge Theatre

Most-Loved Community Hub

Recognising a welcoming space that’s open to all. Whether it’s a centre, building or shared place, this hub offers connection, support and opportunity to people from all walks of life.

53two

Cultureworld

Grounded MCR

Manchester Museum

Empower Youth Zones

Moss Side Powerhouse

Station South

Z-arts

Most-Loved Charity

Honouring a charity that goes above and beyond to change lives across Greater Manchester. This award is for the organisations quietly doing extraordinary work to support those who need it most.

500 Acts of Kindness

Booth Centre

Change the Youth NW

Emmie’s Kitchen

GM Mayor’s Charity

Little Green Sock Project

Once Upon A Smile

Wood Street Mission

Young Person of the Year

Celebrating an inspiring young person who’s making waves in their community. Whether through action, creativity or leadership, they’re showing others what’s possible.

April Brogan

Ashley Southworth

Bella Estelle

Emmie Narayn-Nicholas

Henry Moores

Jack Greenhalgh

Joseph Adams

Multazim Zia

Most-Loved Coffee Shop

Recognising a local independent coffee spot that serves up great brews, cakes and conversation, with warmth, sustainability and strong community vibes.

Bold Street Coffee

Boxx2Boxx

Ezra & Gil

Federal Cafe & Bar

Gran T’s

Manchester Jewish Museum Café

Mattina (Blanconero)

Nibble NQ

Most-Loved Restaurant (Smart)

For the dining experience that gets everything right - outstanding food, impeccable service and an atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression.

Cibo Manchester

El Gato Negro

Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grill…

Fenix Manchester

Hawksmoor Manchester

Louis

Orme

San Carlo

Most-Loved Restaurant (Casual)

Honouring a welcoming, accessible restaurant where locals love to gather with no fuss. This place puts comfort, flavour and community first.

Canto

Erst

Pip at Treehouse Hotel

Richmond Tea Rooms

Royal Nawaab

Salvi’s

Tampopo

The Sparrows

Most-Loved Chef

Celebrating the creative force behind the flavours. This award is for a chef whose passion, innovation and craft have shaped Greater Manchester’s food scene.

Arun Kumar

Dave Ashton

Eddie Shepherd

Joseph Otway

Luke Richardson

Mary-Ellen McTague

Tom Barnes

Zisis Giannouri

Most-Loved Pub

For the pub that feels like home. Great drinks, friendly faces and a warm atmosphere that brings people together. This one’s for the locals.

Circus Tavern

Fox & Pine

Gullivers

Mulligans

The Black Friar

The Britons Protection

The Crown & Kettle

The Marble Arch

Most-Loved Bar

Recognising a bar with personality. Exceptional drinks, top-tier hospitality and a vibe that keeps people coming back. This one stands out from the crowd.

Black Cat Club

Cloud 23

New York New York

Side Street

Society

Terrace NQ

The Liquor Store

The Washhouse

Most-Loved Hotel

Awarded to a hotel that consistently delivers first-class service, comfort and warmth. A true home away from home in the heart of the city.

Dakota

Hotel Football

Hotel Indigo

INNSiDE By Melia Manchester

King St Townhouse

Maldron

The Midland Hotel

Treehouse Hotel

Most-Loved Event

For a public event that brought the city to life, brilliantly planned, well-executed and made with people in mind. This event left a real mark on Manchester.

Bolton Food & Drink Festival

For The Love Of Horror

Great Mcr Run

Laughterama

Manchester Art Fair

Manchester Board Game Fe…

Manchester Pride

Sounds from the Other City

Most-Loved Event Venue

Celebrating a standout venue that knows how to host. Whether it’s live shows, conferences or celebrations, this place sets the stage for unforgettable experiences.

AO Arena

Co-op Live

Hope Mill Theatre

Manchester Academy

Manchester Central

Printworks Manchester

Treehouse Hotel

Victoria Warehouse

Most-Loved Arts & Cultural Venue

Honouring a venue that inspires, entertains and connects communities through creativity. A space that’s opened its doors and hearts to the people of Greater Manchester.

Aviva Studios

HOME

Hope Mill Theatre

Lowry

Palace Theatre & Opera Ho…

Royal Exchange Theatre

Waterside Arts

Z-arts

Most-Loved Fashion & Beauty Brand

Recognising a local brand that leads with style and substance. This award celebrates brands that set trends, inspire confidence and do good for the planet and people.

Joe & Co Denim

Underfound

Velo Bianco

The Fruit Moth

Kiku Boutique – Tony St

Hope & Glory

Adaptive Clothing UK

FemWear

Most-Loved Family Experience

For the experience that brings families together. Fun, creative, educational or all of the above; this attraction sparks imagination and connection for kids and their grown-ups.

Adventures in Wonderland

Christmas at Dunham Massey

Halloween in the City

Heaton Park Boating Lake

Jurassic World: The Exhibition

GLOW at RHS Bridgewater

RNCM: Young Explorers

Science and Industry Museum

Alan Turing Award

For innovation, creativity and smart thinking. This award recognises a brilliant mind in Greater Manchester that’s solving problems in bold and unique ways.

Andy Conway

Badger & Combes

Dez aka LOVEARTPIX

Dr Michelle Phillips

Helen Clawson

John Rudd

Navigators

Talha Naeem

Emmeline Pankhurst Award

Honouring someone who’s breaking barriers and pushing for change. This award recognises powerful work in championing gender equality, women’s rights and representation.

Carol Ann Whitehead

DJ Paulette

Jane Kenyon

Naomi Timperley

Rhiannah Balcombe

Roya Rasouli

Saba Khan

Sarah Hardy

Worker Bee Award

The crescendo closing award of the night, for someone who’s worked their way to the top through grit, graft and passion. They’ve left a lasting mark on their field and their city.

Anthony Thompson

Ashley Carter-Lawlor

Erinma Bell

Gemma Vaughan

Inga Hirst

Kyle Dale

Mark Fletcher

Simon Naylor

How shortlisting and voting works

Now -

12 Jun -

10 Jul -

17 Jul -

03 Oct -

27 Nov -

- Nominations open

- Nominations close

- Shortlist revealed

- Votes open

- Votes close

- Awards ceremony

Nominations

This is an opportunity for any organisation or individual who meets the criteria of any award to nominate.

Shortlist

All nominations that meet the award criteria and core brand values will be considered. The final shortlist will be determined and revealed to the public ASAP.

Votes

The public will cast their votes online meanwhile, an independent judging panel of experts will assess all nominations to ensure they meet the criteria.

Winners

The winners are determined through a 50/50 combination of a ranking based on a public vote and the judges’ scores. A bit like Strictly Come Dancing.

The winner of each award category will be announced at the live awards ceremony.

Partners & Sponsors

Sponsoring the I Love Manchester Awards is more than brand exposure – it’s a chance to stand alongside a trusted city-wide platform that champions community, progress and pride.

Why sponsor?

Over a decade in the making, this is the biggest awards event the city has ever seen and is a big part of the conversation in Manchester all year round.

Our heart’s in the right place. By becoming a sponsor of this event, your company will be associated with our brand values and the award finalists – and harness the reach to a wider audience.

Speak to us about the many more reasons to sponsor this epic event.

  • A contemporary awards show and premium dining experience
  • A table for ten with welcome drinks and a premium banqueting menu
  • Access to 800+ influential guests from across the region
  • Prolific digital branding throughout the venue, including the forecourt, foyer and big screens
  • Marketing reach to millions before, during and after the event
  • Strengthened CSR through visible support of a values-led, community-focused initiative
  • Plus, plenty more tailored opportunities to make your mark on the city’s most talked-about awards night.

Supporting Manchester

Our heart’s in the right place. Thanks to sponsorship, we cover tickets for community groups and charities, giving not-for-profit finalists equal chances to join the celebration. Every penny raised at the auction and donated on the night goes to our giving back campaign, supporting people across Greater Manchester.

 

This year, our principal charity partner is Mustard Tree.

Judge panel

These extraordinary individuals are experts in their chosen field, and have earned the right to judge the award categories. They’re here to make sure that every nomination and vote are aligned with our brand values.

Tom Bloxham

Entrepreneur

Diane Modahl

Chair, Commonwealth Games England

Stanley Chow

Illustrator

Darren Proctor

Radio Host and Presenter

Glenn Meads

Teacher and Writer

Zack Hipps

Content Creator

Jacqueline Hughes-Lundy

Founder, Inspiring Women Awards

John Robb

Journalist, broadcaster, author and musician

Emma McBeath

The Pankhurst Centre

Dave Haslam

DJ / Author

Carl Austin-Behan

LGBTQ+ Ambassador

Michelle Eagleton

Broadcaster

Julie Twist

Broadcaster

2023 Winners & Finalists

Congratulations to our 2023 winners! Let’s have it right, everyone shortlisted as a finalist is a winner.

Most-Loved Community Organisation

2023 Winner! Sober Gay Socials

  • Endeavour Project
  • FareShare Greater Manchester
  • Foundation 92
  • Hideout Youth Zone
  • Manchester Laces
  • The Christie Hospital
  • Work for Smile Foundation

Most-Loved Community Leader

2023 Winner! Steve Hill MBE

  • Adam Farricker
  • Judith Vickers
  • Mike Hurst
  • Mohammad Khairuzzaman
  • Myroslava Coates
  • Victoria Holden
  • Simon Naylor

Most-Loved Community Hub

2023 Winner! Hope Mill Theatre

  • 53Two
  • BQ Bitesize
  • Feel Good Club
  • Manchester Youth Zone
  • Moss Side Millennium Powerhouse
  • Station South Levenshulme
  • Underfound

Most-Loved Charity

2023 Winner! Mustard Tree

  • Cash For Kids
  • Coffee 4 Craig
  • George House Trust
  • Girls Out Loud
  • Once Upon a Smile
  • The Natalie Kate Moss Trust
  • UpReach

Young Person of the Year

2023 Winner! Hannah Payton

  • Alex Bridgeman
  • Evelina Dubynska
  • Hadisa Afzaly
  • Ibrahim Yousaf BEM BCyA
  • Jessica Picton
  • Josh Thomas
  • Ryan Bromley

Most-Loved Marketing & PR Agency

2023 Winner! Tangerine

  • Cuckoo
  • Roland Dransfield
  • Scoop
  • SH Comms
  • Tempt
  • Truth PR
  • We Are Indigo

Most-Loved Restaurant (Smart)

2023 Winner! Hawksmoor Manchester

  • El Gato Negro
  • James Martin Manchester
  • Masons Restaurant & Bar
  • Sapporo Teppanyaki
  • Tattu Restaurant & Bar
  • The Refuge
  • Wood Manchester

Most-Loved Restaurant (Casual)

2023 Winner! Hip Hop Chip Shop

  • California Coffee and Wine
  • Hampton & Vouis
  • The Jane Eyre
  • Northern Soul Grilled Cheese
  • Ramona & The Firehouse
  • SUD Pasta
  • The Laundrette

Most-Loved Chef

2023 Winner! Simon Wood

  • Danielle Heron
  • Dave Ashton
  • James ‘Jimmy’ Williams
  • Jason Latham
  • Mary-Ellen McTague
  • Sam Karle
  • Will Taplin

Most-Loved Pub

2023 Winner! The Black Friar

  • Britons Protection
  • The Deansgate
  • Fox & Pine
  • The Met Didsbury
  • The Old Nags Head
  • The Peveril of the Peak
  • Sam’s Chop House

Most-Loved Bar

2023 Winner! Albert’s Schloss

  • 20 Stories
  • Atlas Bar
  • Speak In Code
  • The Washhouse
  • Petersgate Tap
  • New York New York
  • The Liquor Store

Most-Loved Hotel

2023 Winner! The Lowry Hotel

  • Dakota Hotel
  • Innside by Melia
  • Hotel Brooklyn
  • Hyatt Regency Manchester
  • Kimpton Clocktower
  • Moxy Manchester
  • Whitworth Locke Aparthotel

Most-Loved Entertainment Hub

2023 Winner! Depot Mayfield

  • Great Northern Warehouse
  • GRUB
  • Planet Ice Altrincham
  • New Century Hall
  • Trafford Palazzo
  • The Printworks
  • Victoria Warehouse

Most-Loved Family Experience

2023 Winner! Science and Industry Museum

  • Breakout Manchester
  • Dinosaurs in the Park
  • DNA VR Manchester
  • Hale Barns Carnival
  • Food Sorcery – Cooking Together Experience
  • Our Kids Social
  • Z-escape

Most-Loved Arts/Cultural Venue

2023 Winner! The Lowry

  • 53Two
  • GFFDamian Dance Studio
  • Hope Mill Theatre
  • HOME
  • People’s History Museum
  • Royal Northern College of Music
  • The Palace Theatre & Opera House

Most-Loved Live Event

2023 Winner! Bolton Food & Drink Festival

  • Great Manchester Run
  • Glaston-Bury
  • Laughterama
  • Manchester International Festival
  • Manchester Pride Festival
  • Rain Dance Colour Festival
  • You, Me and the Balloons

Most-Loved Property Developer

2023 Winner! Hive Homes

  • Capital&Centric
  • ForLiving
  • Muse
  • Step Places
  • Salboy
  • Scarborough Group International
  • Select Property

Most-Loved Fashion Icon

2023 Winner! Beaumont Organic

  • Joe & Co Denim
  • July Child Jewellery
  • Miss Kick
  • Nadine Merabi
  • Native Youth
  • Represent Clo
  • Underfound

Innovator of the Year Award

2023 Winner! Tap Donate

  • Catalina Ionita, Chapman Taylor
  • Cladiators
  • Brood Magazine
  • Grace Ubawuchi
  • Ian Waring
  • Lee Chambers
  • Stephen Hobson

Emmeline Pankhurst Award

2023 Winner! Jane Kenyon

  • Aimie Lawlor-Skillen & Kiera Lawlor-Skillen
  • Amanda Naylor OBE
  • Helen Hardy
  • Lauren Irlam
  • Lee Chambers
  • Rhiannah Balcombe
  • Victoria Evans

Worker Bee Award

2023 Winner! Lisa Morton

  • Benjamin Hall
  • Gemma Krysko
  • Jane Dowler
  • Mike George
  • Nicole Broad
  • Sandy Lindsay MBE
  • Joseph Houston and William Whelton
OSZAR »