Official shortlist revealed for I Love MCR Awards 2023 – cast your vote now

We recently announced that Will Mellor and Gemma Atkinson are proudly uniting to co-host I Love MCR Awards 2023

The announcement came during an avalanche of nominations for 21 different award categories.

So after carefully considering each and every nomination, we now have the honour and privilege of revealing a shortlist of individuals and organisations that meet the criteria and brand values.

The official I Love MCR Awards event celebrates Manchester’s unique sense of civic pride with a contemporary show and ceremony that evokes our brand values.

I Love MCR is a platform that has championed extraordinary people and organisations and empowered communities within our fair city region for over a decade, and has built up enough reputation and credibility to create a meaningful ceremony.

What’s more, every penny donated towards the night and raised through the raffle hosted by Happy Radio’s Darren Proctor will go directly to the I Love MCR Foundation (you can donate here) which helps to raise vital funds to help improve the lives and prospects of people across Greater Manchester. 

Special guests include the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham and The Lord Mayor of Manchester, Yasmin Dar; as well as a panel of influential judges Tom Bloxham, Dave Haslam, Diane Modahl, Carl Austin-Behan, David Scott, Terry Christian, Stanley Chow, Ric Moylan, Emma McBeath, Paul Shannon, Gwen Jones, Jenny Osbourne, Darren Proctor, Michelle Eagleton, and Jacqueline Hughes-Lundy.

The event has been made possible with the help of partners ConnectIn Events and official sponsors AO Arena, Hilton Manchester Deansgate, Destination2.co.uk, Sapporo Teppanyaki, Palace Theatre & Opera House, Julie Twist Properties, Glengoyne, Happy Radio, Caterer.com

This is an inclusive event so, it’s with a special thanks to our sponsors, that we’re able to offer nominated charities, community groups, disabled people and carers complimentary tickets* to the contemporary show and ceremony taking place at the epic new venue Diecast Manchester on 23 November 2023. Because of the sponsors, the following inspiring individuals and organisations have the opportunity to be celebrated and formally acknowledged on stage in front of circa. 800 good people.

2023 Awards Shortlist

So here goes… In alphabetical order, this is the final shortlist that’s been compiled from hundreds of nominations and all meet the criteria including our brand values.

Your votes will mean the world to those who’ve been shortlisted and will make all the difference when it comes to the judging panel.

Most-Loved Community Organisation

A local project or group that demonstrates I Love Manchester’s brand values including community, inclusivity at grass-roots level and the desire to promote the welfare of human beings collectively.

Endeavour Project
FareShare
Foundation 92
Hideout Youth Zone
Manchester Laces
Sober Gay Socials
The Christie Hospital
Work for Smile Foundation

Vote now

Most-Loved Community Leader

An individual who demonstrates a big personality, strong leadership skills and social values, leading a certain community to new heights and making a real difference in their collective space.

Adam Farricker
Judith Vickers
Mike Hurst
Mohammad Khairuzzaman
Myroslava Coates
Victoria Holden
Simon Naylor
Steve Hill MBE

Vote now

Most-Loved Community Hub

A cafe, centre or communal space in the community that promotes humanity and the same rights, resources, and opportunities no matter where its inhabitants come from.

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

Vote now

Most-Loved Charity

The Most Loved Charity Award recognises the outstanding efforts of an organization that is making a positive difference across Greater Manchester.  The Most Loved Charity Award recognises the profound impact that the charity has had on countless lives. They should be a shining example of the power of compassion, dedication, and hard work shown from the charity of improving lives for the people of Greater Manchester and beyond.

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

Vote now

Young Person of the Year

The Young Person of the Year award should recognise a remarkable young person from Greater Manchester looking at their exceptional achievements, extraordinary efforts and have made a significant impact on their community and inspired others to follow in their footsteps. In short the awards will be recognising an exceptional individual who is a true role model for young people everywhere, inspiring others to dream big, work hard, and give back to their communities.

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

Vote now

Most-Loved Marketing & PR Agency

The most-loved marketing & PR agency award recognises organisations who can demonstrate exceptional work in executing a successful campaign that has resonated with clients and target audiences.

Cuckoo
Tempt
Truth
Roland Dransfield
Scoop
SH Comms
Tangerine
We Are Indigo

Vote now

Most-Loved Restaurant (Smart)

The Most Loved Restaurant (Smart) Award for the Greater Manchester area recognises the restaurant that goes above and beyond in creating a memorable dining experience for their customers. The winning restaurant must showcase exceptional food, have an inviting atmosphere, and provide excellent customer service.

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

Vote now

Most-Loved Restaurant (Casual)

The Most Loved Restaurant (Casual) Award recognises the restaurant that goes above and beyond in creating a casual and accessible eatery for their customers. 

California Coffee and Wine
Hampton & Vouis
Hip Hop Chip Shop
The Jane Eyre
Northern Soul Grilled Cheese
Ramona & The Firehouse
SUD Pasta
The Laundrette

Vote now

Most-Loved Chef

The Most Loved Chef Award seeks to recognise the outstanding achievements and contributions of the most beloved and innovative chefs in the city region. Greater Manchester is home to many talented chefs who have elevated the local culinary scene through their inventive and flavourful dishes. This is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate their contributions to the community. The award acknowledges the importance of culinary excellence, innovation, consistency, customer service, and community involvement. 

Danielle Heron – Osma
Dave Ashton – Hilton Manchester Deansgate
James ‘Jimmy’ Williams – Hotel Brooklyn
Jason Latham – Quarter House
Mary-Ellen McTague – Eat Well MCR
Sam Karle – Dakota
Simon Wood – Wood Manchester
Will Taplin – Diecast, Ramona & The Firehouse

Vote now

Most-Loved Pub

The Most Loved Pub Award is awarded to the pub that is loved and cherished by locals and visitors alike. This award recognises the pub that has created an inviting and welcoming ambiance that people can enjoy, be it for a few drinks with friends or a cosy evening out with loved ones. The pub that wins this award will have an extensive selection of drinks, a diverse menu of hearty helms, excellent customer service, and an overall friendly atmosphere.

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

Vote now

Most-Loved Bar

The Most Loved Bar Award recognises a bar that goes above and beyond in providing exceptional service, atmosphere, and drinks to its patrons. The winning bar will have a strong reputation within the community and be celebrated for its quality, consistency, and hospitality. Judges will be looking for a bar that has a unique selling point, that offers something special to its customers, and has genuine warmth and charisma that keeps people coming back. The winning bar should also demonstrate a dedication to the local community and have a commitment to environmental sustainability. 

20 Stories
Albert’s Schloss
Atlas Bar
Speak In Code
The Washhouse
Petersgate Tap
New York New York
The Liquor Store

Vote now

Most-Loved Hotel

The Most Loved Hotel Award will be given to a hotel that has consistently provided exceptional service to its guests. The winner should be recognised for their high standards of quality, professionalism, and customer satisfaction. This award is open to all hotels, from boutique hotels to international chains, that operate within the Greater Manchester area. Hotels that provide unique and personalised customer experiences, distinctive amenities, and world-class quality services are encouraged to apply.

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

Vote now

Most-Loved Entertainment Hub

The Most-Loved Entertainment Hub Award is an exceptional and remarkable recognition that has been thoughtfully designed to celebrate extraordinary and secure venues or complexes that offer top-notch and regularly scheduled events and entertainment programs, or an idyllic oasis of catering and retail options that embody and promote our brand’s core values.

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

Vote now

Most-Loved Family Experience

A family-friendly experience or attraction that promotes education, imagination, creativity and fun for young people and their support network.

Breakout Manchester
Dinosaurs in the Park
DNA VR Manchester
Hale Barns Carnival
Food Sorcery
Our Kids Social
Science and Industry Museum
Z-escape

Vote now

Most-Loved Cultural/Arts Venue

The Most Loved Cultural/Arts Venue award aims to recognise and celebrate an outstanding cultural or arts venue that has made a significant contribution to the Greater Manchester area. The award will be given to a venue that has created a positive impact and fostered a sense of community by providing an exceptional cultural and arts experience. The winner of this award will be a venue that has demonstrated excellence in programming, audience engagement, and overall customer experience.

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

Vote now

Most-Loved Live Event

The Most Loved Live Event Award recognises a public event or live activation that has demonstrated excellence in events coordination through concession, organisation, sustainability, economic prosperity and execution to the target audience…

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 at Factory International

Vote now

Most-Loved Property Developer

The Most Loved Property Developer Award recognises a company or individual who has demonstrated excellence in property development through exceptional dedication, innovation, quality of design, sustainability, and successful delivery of projects in the city region of Greater Manchester.

Capital & Centric
ForLiving
Hive Homes
Muse
Step Places
Salboy
Scarborough Group International – Middlewood Locks
Select Property

Vote now

Most-Loved Fashion Icon

The Most Loved Fashion Icon is a brand that has significantly influenced the fashion industry, inspiring new trends and setting the standard for excellence. The winning label should also demonstrate a dedication to local design and/or production with environmental sustainability. 

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

Vote now

Innovator of the Year

The Innovator of the Year award honours an individual or organisation that has demonstrated exceptional innovation and creativity. This award recognises individuals or organisations who have made significant contributions to their field through unique approaches and solutions.

Catalina Ionita, Chapman Taylor
Cladiators
Brood Magazine
Grace Ubawuchi
Ian Waring/Flecky Bennett Productions
Lee Chambers
Stephen Hobson
Tap Donate

Vote now

Emmeline Pankhurst Award

The Emmeline Pankhurst Award should be given to an individual or group who has made significant contributions to advancing gender equality, women’s rights and empowerment, and women’s political participation throughout the Greater Manchester area and beyond.

Aimie Lawlor-Skillen & Kiera Lawlor-Skillen
Amanda Naylor OBE
Helen Hardy
Jane Kenyon
Lauren Irlam
Lee Chambers
Rhiannah Balcomb
Victoria Evans

Vote now

Manchester Worker Bee Award

The final category aims to award an inspirational worker bee who has grafted their way to the top of their chosen field of work and left a permanent mark on their specific industry in the city region of Greater Manchester.

Benjamin Hall
Gemma Krysko
Jane Dowler
Lisa Morton
Mike George
Nicole Broad
Sandy Lindsay MBE
Joseph Houston and William Whelton

Vote now

The winner from each award category will be announced live at the awards show on the 23rd November 2023.

Tickets and tables

The I Love MCR Awards is billed to be the biggest Manchester awards event the city has ever seen.

The awards show will be taking place at epic new venue Diecast Manchester located in Piccadilly South with transport links by train or car with parking available. 

This will be a night that will live forever…

Tickets and tables are available online here

Free tickets available

While it would be a special honour for the winners to be formally acknowledged and celebrated on stage at the live event, we appreciate that not everyone is able to afford the ticket prices to attend.

Sticking to our brand values whatever the cost, we have a provision in place to offer all shortlisted charities, community organisations, disabled people and carers complimentary tickets* and discount on tables** to attend including dinner, souvenirs and live entertainment.

Terms and conditions
*One free ticket per registered charity, registered community interest company (CIC), registered disabled person and carer (under the Equality Act).
**10% discount and Zero VAT invoices apply to registered charities only.
If you are shortlisted and wish to claim your free ticket, you must declare your registration details via email to: [email protected]