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27.11.2025

#ILoveMCRAwards

The inclusive community-driven Manchester awards event

The official I Love Manchester Awards event champions people and celebrates the city with a contemporary show and ceremony that evokes civic pride and our brand values.

23 November 2023 saw the launch of the inaugural I Love Manchester Awards show. With 800 people in attendance and no expense spared, the I Love MCR Awards became the biggest Manchester awards event the city has ever seen.

While the community-driven city brand continues to promote culture and champion the good people of Greater Manchester across our channels, we feel a constant desire to spotlight everyday heroes on stage with a premium live event.

I Love MCR is a platform that has championed our fair city for over a decade and has built up enough reputation and credibility to award remarkable people – and it truly means something to them – making enough noise to resonate around the world.

What’s more, every penny donated during the event goes directly to Greater Manchester charities, including Forever Manchester (Registered Charity No. 1017504)

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 offering world-class facilities in the heart of Manchester. Formerly known as “the GMEX”, the centre was opened by Her Majesty the Queen on 21 March 1986 and has hosted many legendary concerts including Manchester favourites The Smiths, The Happy Mondays, Oasis and Take That.

Situated in the bustling heart of Manchester City Centre, Manchester Central is a stones-throw from Manchester’s finest hotels and is connected by several major modes of transport. It takes a little over two hours to reach Manchester from London by rail and Manchester’s three major stations also have direct connections to most major UK cities. Upon arrival in Manchester, The Bee Network makes it easy to use public transport across the region.

Days

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

What they say...

Award Categories

I Love Manchester Awards is an inclusive initiative for the city region of Greater Manchester shining a spotlight on our city’s incredible community and cultural activity. Every nomination is assessed on criteria and brand values – they’re not judged on how many followers or reach they have.

This is your chance to recognise and celebrate the outstanding people who make our city vibrant and culturally colourful.

Most-Loved
Community Group

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

Nominations close 5 Aug 2024

Most-Loved
Community Hero

An individual who demonstrates a big personality, whose strong leadership skills and social values take a certain community to new heights and making a real difference in that group.

Nominations close 5 Aug 2024

Most-Loved
Community Hub

A community hub is a centre or communal space open to all, promoting humanity and the same rights, resources, and opportunities no matter where its inhabitants come from.

Nominations close 5 Aug 2024

Most-Loved
Charity

The Most Loved Charity Award recognises the outstanding efforts of an organisation that is making a positive difference to the lives and prospects of people across Greater Manchester.

Nominations close 5 Aug 2024

Young Person
of the Year

The Young Person of the Year award recognises remarkable young people from Greater Manchester who have made a significant impact on their community and inspired others to follow in their footsteps.

Nominations close 5 Aug 2024

Most-Loved
Coffee Shop

The Most Loved Coffee Shop Award recognises an independent tea & coffee and cake spot within Greater Manchester that has served good quality products such as tea, coffee, cakes and bakes in a sustainable environment.

Nominations close 5 Aug 2024

Most-Loved
Restaurant (Smart)

The Most Loved Restaurant (Smart) Award recognises a formal restaurant that creates a memorable dining experience for their customers. The winning restaurant must showcase exceptional food, have an inviting atmosphere, and provide excellent customer service.

Nominations close 5 Aug 2024

Most-Loved
Restaurant (Casual)

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

Nominations close 5 Aug 2024

Most-Loved
Chef

The Most-Loved Chef Award recognises achievements of the most innovative chefs across Greater Manchester. Our city region is home to many talented chefs who have elevated the local culinary scene through their creative menus.

Nominations close 5 Aug 2024

Most-Loved
Pub

The Most Loved Pub Award is awarded to the pub that is loved and cherished by locals and visitors alike. The pub that wins this award will have a selection of real ale, excellent customer service, and an overall friendly atmosphere. Long live the local pub!

Nominations close 5 Aug 2024

Most-Loved
Bar

The Most Loved Bar Award recognises a bar that goes above and beyond in providing exceptional hospitality, charisma, atmosphere, and drinks to its patrons. The winning bar will have a unique selling point.

Nominations close 5 Aug 2024

Most-Loved
Hotel

The Most Loved Hotel Award will be given to a hotel that has consistently provided exceptional service and hospitality to its guests with distinctive amenities, welcoming warmth and high standards.

Nominations close 5 Aug 2024

Most-Loved
Event

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

Nominations close 5 Aug 2024

Most-Loved
Event Venue

The Most-Loved Event Venue 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 values.

Nominations close 5 Aug 2024

Most-Loved
Arts & Cultural Venue

The Most-Loved Arts & Cultural Venue Award aims to celebrate an outstanding arts and cultural venue in Greater Manchester that has made a significant contribution. The winner of this award will be a venue that has demonstrated excellence in programming, audience engagement, and overall customer experience.

Nominations close 5 Aug 2024

Most-Loved
Fashion & Beauty Brand

The Most-Loved Fashion & Beauty Brand is an icon that has influenced the fashion & beauty industry sustainably, inspiring new trends and setting the standard for excellence.

Nominations close 5 Aug 2024

Most-Loved
Family Experience

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

Nominations close 5 Aug 2024

Most-Loved
Green Space

An award for a local park or biodiverse open space that is an accessible place for all, whether to relax, play or explore.

Nominations close 5 Aug 2024

Alan Turing
Award

The Alan Turing Award honours an individual who has demonstrated unique innovation, problem-solving skills and creativity. This award recognises those who have made significant contributions to their field through unique approaches and solutions.

Nominations close 5 Aug 2024

Emmeline Pankhurst
Award

The Emmeline Pankhurst Award should be given to an individual 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.

Nominations close 5 Aug 2024

Worker Bee
Award

The final category and crescendo of the ceremony 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.

Nominations close 5 Aug 2024

Buy Tickets /Tables

Award Show Ticket

From £195 (+VAT)

♥ Welcome drink

♥ Premium banqueting menu

♥ Live entertainment

♥ Take-home gifts

Standard Table

From £1875 (+VAT)

♥ Table for 10

♥ Welcome drinks

♥ Premium banqueting menu

♥ Live entertainment

♥ Take-home gifts

Most-Loved Table

From £2200 (+VAT)

♥ Table for 10

♥ Welcome drinks

♥ Premium banqueting menu

♥ Drinks package

♥ Live entertainment

♥ Take-home gifts

Free tickets

This is an inclusive community-driven event, funded independently with the support of our sponsors. While it would be a special honour for all finalists to be formally acknowledged and celebrated at the live event, we appreciate that not everyone can afford to attend. Therefore, 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 discounts on tables** to attend, including a premium dining experience and live entertainment.

Dress code

Black tie is preferable, however, the I Love MCR Awards is an inclusive event – open for all. If a black tie is not an option due to circumstances, please attend in smart attire.

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]

How shortlisting and voting works

Now –

12 Jun –

10 Jul –

03 Oct –

27 Nov –

– Nominations open

– Nominations close

– Shortlist and 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 themselves.

Shortlist

All nominations that meet the award criteria and core brand values will be considered. The final shortlist of finalists will be determined and revealed to the public on 10 July 2025.

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

See how you can be part of the biggest legacy awards and fundraising event the city has ever seen…

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.

♥ Contemporary awards show and dining experience;

♥ Reach millions with marketing before, during and after the event;

♥ 800+ influential people in attendance;

♥ Table for ten, including welcome drinks, premium banqueting menu and pairing wine;

♥ Prolific digital branding throughout the venue, including the forecourt, foyer, and big screens;

♥ Build brand awareness and trust with high-profiles

♥ Associate your company with community engagement and giving back;

♥ Loads more…

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

Supporting Manchester

With the help of sponsorship, we pay for the tickets and tables of community groups and charities to give equal opportunities for not-for-profit finalists. What’s more, every penny raised in the auction and donated at the event help improve the lives and prospects of people across Greater Manchester.
Learn more >>

2023 Judges

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

Emma McBeath

The Pankhurst Centre

Paul Shannon

CEO & Founder at OBT Advisory

Gwenno Jones

Chair Women In Property NW

Jenny Osbourne

Chief Exec Tpas

Dave Haslam

DJ / Author

Diane Modahl

Chair, Commonwealth Games England

Carl Austin-Behan

LGBTQ+ Ambassador

Stanley Chow

Illustrator

Ric Moylan

Performance Coach

Darren Proctor

Radio Host and Presenter

Michelle Eagleton

Broadcaster

Jacqueline Hughes-Lundy

Founder, Inspiring Women Awards

Emma Richman

Housing Professional

News

I Love Manchester Awards - championing community and celebrating the city

The incredible and inspiring story of the Zumba Queen of Tyldesley

The exclusive “Honeybee” whisky cocktail trail across selected Manchester bars

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

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

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