Nominations are now open for the 2024 Pride Of Sefton Awards after a successful launch in 2023. Andrew Brown reports

Nominations are now open for the Pride Of Sefton Awards following a successful first year in 2023 with this year’s ceremony set to be held in Southport.

Organisers Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group and Stand Up For Southport were “overwhelmed” to receive more than 1,200 nominations in 2023 from Southport, Bootle, Formby, Crosby, Maghull and across the borough.

This year’s Pride Of Sefton Awards, supported by media partner In Demand Radio, will be held at The Grand in Southport on Friday, April 26.

Nominations are now open across a range of categories which you can submit online here: www.prideofseftonawards.co.uk or email: standupforsouthport@gmail.com

The closing date for entries is Monday, March 22.

Last year’s main Pride Of Sefton Awards winner, sponsored by The Grand, was the inspirational Kath Wilson, the tireless campaigner behind the Southport Lifeboat charity and the new Southport Lifeboat Station.

Sir Kenny Dalglish and Marina Dalglish meanwhile were awarded the first ever Lifetime Achievement Award for their incredible work raising millions of pounds and changing countless lives through The Marina Dalglish Appeal and supporting families whose lives were devastated by the Hillsborough Tragedy.

A total of 13 Pride Of Sefton awards were presented to those who give so selflessly for others, with the same categories in place this year – plus a new one to be announced soon.

The 2024 Pride Of Sefton Awards celebration will be held in the Princess Grace Suite at The Grand on Lord Street when shortlisted nominees will be invited to a very special night of celebration.

Local businesses with a keen commitment to charitable work in Sefton who would like to support the awards are invited to get in touch, by emailing standupforsouthport@gmail.com

Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Chairman Andrew Mikhail said: “It was a fantastic event last year – very moving, and very humbling. We were overwhelmed by the huge number of nominations we received across the whole range of categories.

“It shows just how many unsung heroes we have in our local community and why it is so important to be able to celebrate them and give them a very special night to remember. It has been a tough year for everyone.

“Lots of people have been going above and beyond to support others and we would love to see your nominations.”

READ MORE: ‘Why I have invested £10m into Southport’

READ MORE: Theatre demolition to begin in spring in £73m project

Stand Up For Southport Director Andrew Brown said: “The stories we heard at last year’s Pride Of Sefton Awards were incredibly moving, and very inspiring. It was a privilege to be there.

“There are so many selfless people out there who do so much to make our communities across Sefton so special, by improving the quality of life of others.

“We want you to help us to celebrate them with a night they will never forget. Please send us your nominations today.”

There are 13 categories for this year’s awards:

• Main Award – Pride of Sefton
• Diversity and Inclusion Award
• Sefton Arts Award
• Charity Champion Award
• Child of Courage Award
• Courage Award
• Unsung Hero Award
• Community Impact Award
• Sportsperson of the Year
• Young Sportsperson of the Year
• Business In The Community Award
• School Of The Year Award
• Lifetime Achievement / Special Recognition Award