Some of Manchester's biggest stars and most incredible citizens have flocked to the Kimpton tonight to celebrate Manchester's finest in a glittering ceremony. The Manchester Evening News Pride of Manchester Awards kicked off this evening with a red carpet ceremony, which saw Spice Girl Mel B, The Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and Fleur East among the many stars present.
They were joined by this year's inspiring winners, who all had their moment to shine and be rewarded for all their hard work. Host Kym Marsh stunned in a long-sleeved blue dress and silver shimmering clutch and shoes.
She said it was “so good to be back” with this year’s “inspirational” winners. “It’s wonderful to be back celebrating,” she told the Manchester Evening News on the red carpet.
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“The winners are all just magnificent in their own right. They’re really inspirational people so I’m very excited.” Also gracing the carpet were the Real Housewives of Cheshire’s Rachel Lugo and Seema Malhotra who both dazzled in black and monochrome numbers.
The ladies told the M.E.N it was great to see the event happening in their hometown. “It makes me very proud,” Seema added. “Mancunians are great!”
Some of the city’s biggest political figures attended, with Mayor Andy Burnham attending with Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey. Mr Burnham, who is presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award to Professor Tony Redmond, said Redmond was the “living embodiment of the pride of Manchester.”
BBC Radio Manchester presenter Jsky, who is one of this year’s judges, stunned in long black gown dripping with silver jewels. He called the awards a "proud moment for Manchester."
“It’s good to see everyone out and about. It’s my second year working as a judge. In my mind I try to think, what would resonate with people the most, and what would inspire people the most?” he said.
Corrie favourites swapping the famous cobbles for the red carpet included Katie McGlynn, who played the late Sinead Osbourne in the Trafford-based soap, Julia Goulding who plays Shona Ramsey and Lucy Fallon. Katie looked chic in a black suit and corset and Lucy, who played Bethany Platt, channelled Hollywood glamour in a silky red dress while Julia looked elegant in a long black dress with zesty orange accessories and heels.
Shelley King, who plays Yazmeen Metcalfe, Victoria Ekanoye who played Angie Appleton and Alexandra Mardell, who recently departed the cobbles as Emma Brooker, also wowed on the red carpet. The M.E.N. Pride of Manchester Awards, in partnership with TSB, will premiere on YouTube on Tuesday May 17 at 7pm.
