An appeal has been made to honour those who are leading the way in the arts world in Sefton.
The Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards are seeking nominations for its Sefton Arts Award, sponsored by Fitton Estates.
Please submit via the website: prideofseftonawards.co.uk or email your nominations to: standupforsouthport@gmail.com
The winners and finalists will be honoured at the Grand on Lord Street in Southport on Friday, 26th April 2024.
Fitton Estates Director Graham Bowling MRICS said:
“We are delighted to again be supporting The Pride of Sefton Arts Award this year.
“Studies show that communities that have a vibrant arts scene, including galleries, museums, public art, live-performance venues, together with a strong collection of artists, draw people to them. And in our view when the arts scene is vibrant, independent local businesses, shops, bars, and restaurants start up, which creates a positive knock-on effect for existing local business & Sefton as a whole.”
Fitton Estates on Hoghton Street in Southport. Photo by Fitton Estates
Last year’s Sefton Arts Award winner was acclaimed comedian, actor, writer, podcaster and presenter Lee Mack.
The star has made a huge contribution to the arts since his days as a schoolboy in Southport – and as a stable boy for Red Rum.
Known for his quick wit and killer one liners, he has written and starred in sitcom Not Going Out, been a captain on BBC One comedy Would I Lie To You? and has been a guest on shows including Have I Got News For You, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown and many more.
He has contributed to many major fundraising events, including taking part in several Soccer Aid matches to raise money for UNICEF.
Southport comedian, writer and podcaster Lee Mack was victorious as he was part of the winning World XI team in last night’s Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2023. Photo copyright Soccer Aid Productions and UNICEF
Finalists included Hilda Blomley, who is over 90 years old and has made a huge contribution to the arts in Sefton over the years.
She has been a member of All Souls Dramatic Club in Southport from its outset in the 1960s and has been an acting member from the beginning, starring on stage until her 80s.
Hilda Blomley carries the Olympic Torch in Southport in 2012
The other Finalist was Mark Thompson, who was part of the team who worked alongside acclaimed director Guillermo del Toro on his latest film, Pinocchio. The movie was named best animated feature at the Academy Awards.
The Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards, sponsored by The Grand Southport and organised by Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group and Stand Up For Southport, is an unmissable fixture in the Liverpool City Region events calendar, in association with In Demand Radio.
The ceremony will be presented by In Demand Radio presenter Claire Simmo and former Sky Sports News presenter Fraser Dainton.
All those on the shortlist will be invited to a special celebratory meal in the beautiful surroundings of The Princess Grace Suite at The Grand in Southport while the awards are presented, with a stunning night of entertainment planned.
Nominations are still being invited across all 13 categories ahead of the closing date on 22nd March 2024.
For more details please visit: www.prideofseftonawards.co.uk
Please Like the Pride Of Sefton Awards page on Facebook the Pride Of Sefton Awards on Instagram and Pride Of Sefton 23 on Twitter.
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