How the I Love Manchester Awards continues to make a difference in the community

What does it feel like to be seen, truly seen, for the difference you make?

To hear your name called out in a room full of people who care just as deeply about this city as you do? 

The I Love Manchester Awards is so much more than your classic, run-of-the-mill awards ceremony.

It’s a contemporary show. A powerful, emotional celebration of the people and organisations who make this city extraordinary.

From grassroots heroes and business change-makers to the quiet forces behind our communities, this event honours the heartbeat of Greater Manchester.

I Love Manchester Awards 2025

Launched in 2023, the inaugural ceremony welcomed over 800 guests to an evening filled with laughter, tears, and standing ovations: not for celebrities, but for real people doing remarkable things. And in true Manchester fashion, every ticket, every nomination, and every cheer raises awareness for local charities.

But this is more than a night of applause. It’s a movement of pride, unity, and recognition, a moment for Manchester to put its arms around its own and say, “We see you. We thank you.”

When you attend or when you nominate someone, you become part of something bigger. You’re not just clapping for a winner. You’re lifting up the whole city.

It’s a platform for people doing good to be seen, celebrated and supported.

And whether you’re a teacher, a carer, an artist, a charity leader, a hospitality leader, or a small business owner, or even a big business owner, this is your moment to be recognised.

Because in Manchester, making a difference matters. And when the spotlight turns to you, the whole city rises to applaud.

But don’t just take it from us. We caught up with the inaugural winners from 2023 to see what winning an I Love MCR Award did for them. 

Hannah Payton – Young Person of the Year

One of those heroes is Hannah Payton, crowned Young Person of the Year in 2023. A huge force in her community, Hannah teaches Zumba to people with disabilities in Wythenshawe and recently led a session for Down Syndrome Awareness Week.

“When my name came out, I couldn’t believe it! I felt ecstatic and had happy tears,” she said. “Winning the award really boosted my confidence and encouraged me to carry on with what I am doing. As a result, people with SEND see me as a role model.”

Hannah’s mum, Jutta Payton, added, “It was not only one of the best days of Hannah’s year but also of her life.”

From mingling with the Coronation Street cast to inspiring others nationwide, Hannah’s story exemplifies the ripple effect of recognition. “To anybody who considers putting their name forward, I would say go for it! It was an unforgettable experience!”

Jane Kenyon – Emmeline Pankhurst Award

For Jane Kenyon, founder of Girls Out Loud, winning the Emmeline Pankhurst Award was a career-defining moment. “Hearing my name announced in the same sentence as one of my all-time heroines was life-affirming enough, but then to win… well, hard to put into words.”

Jane has dedicated 30 years to empowering teenage girls and women. “This award felt like validation and recognition for my life’s passion and purpose.”

From proudly displaying the award in her email signature to leveraging the visibility for her next project, The Faithful Feminist,  Jane’s win continues to resonate.

“The evening was super well organised and felt special from the red-carpet arrival to the glamorous set. I felt part of something far bigger than me… part of the Manchester community, the Northern Powerhouse, the Mancs!”

Beaumont Organic – Most-Loved Fashion Icon

For small ethical fashion brand Beaumont Organic, being nominated as Most-Loved Fashion Icon was a landmark moment.

“We were so excited. As a smaller company, it was such a proud moment to stand alongside businesses of all sizes,” said co-founder Hannah.

“It’s your impact that counts.”

Nelson, co-owner of Beaumont Organics, echoed the sentiment: “This award felt special because it had a genuine feel to it. Many awards ceremonies don’t. To be nominated was incredible, especially given the level of competition in our field of sustainability. Winning was just beyond anything we could have expected.”

The impact of the win was huge: from internal morale boosts to brand visibility. “It energised the entire team,” Nelson added. “In a business that demands constant effort, these moments are invaluable.”

And the awards night? “Amazing,” Hannah recalled. “It felt like a true community event. The venue struck a perfect balance: not overly formal, yet still special. Even if we’d left without winning, it would have still been an incredible night.”

Steve Hill MBE – Most-Loved Community Leader

Winning the award for Most-Loved Community Leader changed everything for Steve Hill MBE and his charity, Team Hill Charitable Trust. “It was more than just an award, it was a powerful endorsement of our mission to uplift communities.”

From building schools in Uganda to expanding his Dare2Dream talks in the UK, the recognition amplified Steve’s reach and opened doors to new partnerships, supporters, and opportunities.

“It has been a catalyst for growth and a platform to inspire more people. Thank you, I Love Manchester, for believing in us. Your recognition has empowered us to dream bigger, reach further, and transform more lives.”

Mustard Tree – Most-Loved Charity

For renowned Manchester charity Mustard Tree, the award came at a crucial time. “Winning gave our team confidence that we were doing the right thing,” said Jack Barton from Mustard Tree. “We’ve had to adapt to external crises, from COVID to the cost-of-living emergency, and we are still doing this now.”

Since the win, Mustard Tree has seen increased media interest and new partnership opportunities. Jack said: ” We have had an increase in media enquiries who would like to speak with an ‘award winning charity’ around external events affecting the voluntary sector. We have also been cited in venue hire proposals for events, based on our new credential.

“Having the icon on our website and emails helps build trust. People feel more comfortable coming to a charity that’s been officially recognised.”

You can find out more about Mustard Tree’s work here

Hope Mill Theatre – Most Loved Community Hub

Winners of the Most Loved Community Hub, Hope Mill Theatre, saw their community groups go from strength to strength. With boosted visibility and new grants, their hard work has gained the spotlight it deserves.

“The night was wonderful,” Naomi Albans shared. “We’d highly recommend attending. It’s a fantastic opportunity to network, celebrate, and showcase work across the city.”

You can find out more about Hope Mill Theatre’s work here

Simon Wood – Most Loved Chef

Acclaimed chef Simon Wood won Most Loved Chef, describing the moment as “a real mix of surprise, pride, and gratitude.”

“Knowing how strong the talent is across Greater Manchester, it was emotional. The award gave us a renewed sense of purpose and confidence.

“When my name was announced, I was taken aback. It was an emotional moment, especially knowing how strong the talent is across Greater Manchester.

“Since receiving the award, there’s definitely been a positive impact on both my work and the wider team.

“It’s given us a renewed sense of purpose and confidence – recognition like that really does fuel the fire to keep pushing boundaries and raising the bar. It’s also led to some brilliant new conversations and collaborations, both within the hospitality world and beyond, with people who share the same passion for the region and its food culture.

“What I’ve valued most is how the award has helped strengthen our connection with the community. It’s opened doors to work more locally, give back where we can, and feel even more rooted in what makes Manchester such a vibrant and inspiring place to be.”

Why should you get involved in the I Love Manchester Awards 2025?

Whether you’re a grassroots community leader, a young person making change, a small business, or a cultural powerhouse, the I Love MCR Awards is your platform.

It’s free to be nominated, accessible to all, and genuinely inclusive. This isn’t about glitz for glitz’s sake. It’s about showcasing Manchester’s beating heart –  the people.

Every story told, every award given, and every connection made creates a network of positivity that echoes far beyond the awards night.

You could be the next story shared. The next inspiration. The next reason someone decides to give back.

So why wait? Get involved. Nominate. Celebrate. Be part of something bigger.

Because in Manchester, we don’t just talk about change, we live it.

I Love Manchester Awards 2025

Nominations are now open for the I Love Manchester Awards 2025.

To get involved this year, click here for more information on how to nominate and buy tickets.