The National Diversity Awards return to the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral next month.
The prestigious black tie event celebrates the excellent achievements of grass-root communities that tackle the issues in today’s society, giving them recognition for their dedication and hard work. This year will be no different as charities, role models and community heroes will be honoured.
The ceremony, which is being held on Friday, September 16, is being hosted by EastEnders star Nina Wadia, who is best known for playing Zainab Masood on the BBC soap. The award-winning Indian-born British actress is said to be “an excellent event host and after dinner speaker” due to her “naturally funny and engaging presence”. The organisers said with “her bubbly personality and confident approach, Nina makes a memorable addition to any event.” Celebrity guests have not been confirmed as yet but with the likes of Mel B, Ashley Walters, Rose Ayling-Ellis, Jake Daniels and Dame Kelly Holmes MBE shortlisted for Celebrity of the Year Award, guests may bump into them on the night.
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Merseyside has its own representation at the awards as Lewis Hancox, from St Helens, is nominated for the Positive Role Model Award for LGBT+ after he retold his journey of self-discovery in a book. Up for the same award but for their age group is Marcus Wilton, a teenager from Warrington who is battling stigma against ADHD after he was excluded from three schools and now travels over 40 miles to attend private independent specialist provision. Isabelle Kirkham, a 25-year-old from St Helens who is fighting to change the care system after being called 'Tracy Beaker', also made the shortlist.
The concept for the event reportedly came about after The Diversity Group “identified an urgent need for more positive role models to be actively promoted, with the aim to empower and inspire the wide breadth of diverse communities across the UK. All those who are shortlisted have “showcased an outstanding devotion to enchanting equality, diversity and inclusion; thus embracing the excellence of all our citizens irrespective of race, faith, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability and culture.”
Last year's event was hosted by comic actress and writer Sally Phillips and included a headline set from nineties music icon Heather Small, as well as appearances from footballing legend John Barnes and one of the country's favourite TV chefs, Ainsley Harriott. Katie Price also made an appearance at the ceremony with her son, Harvey and partner, Carl Woods. At the time, the model was pictured on the red carpet with bandages on her head following her latest cosmetic procedures. Other guests included Love Island Villa finalists Faye Winter and Teddy Soares, along with Hugo Hammond and Aaron Francis.
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