The inaugural Best of Manchester Awards took place on October 22 at the Midland Hotel, celebrating the people, community groups, and organisations making a difference across the city. BBC Radio Manchester's Joe McGrath hosted the ceremony, which recognised winners across ten categories.
More than 900 nominations were received, with categories spanning neighbourhood pride, climate action, safer streets, better health, and stronger communities. Before the ceremony, nominees attended celebratory events at Manchester Town Hall, hosted by the Lord Mayor.
Winners Across the Categories
The full list of winners includes: Pride in Our Neighbourhood – The Dean Trust Ardwick; Community Action on Climate Change – The Lalley Centre; Keeping Our Neighbourhoods Safe – SafeSpots Wythenshawe; Bringing Communities Together – Levenshulme Old Library; Supporting Healthier, Happier Communities – St. George’s Youth and Community Centre; Making a Difference – Thomas McDonagh; Community Innovator – The Care Leavers Collective; Championing Skills and Confidence for Work – Back on Track; Businesses and Communities Working Together – The Co-operative Bank; and the Best of Manchester Award – Joe Farrar.
Joe McGrath, who hosted the evening, said: “This has been a truly special night. Each and every one of us in Manchester will know someone in our community who makes a difference, so to be at this event, and come face to face with people who make such a difference is something that will stay with me for a long time.”
Council Leader Praises Community Spirit
Councillor Garry Bridges, Leader of Manchester City Council, said the stories behind the nominations showed the true strength of the city. He remarked: “To have heard the stories of everyone nominated this evening was truly humbling. A lot is said about the Manchester spirit but the people that we have celebrated tonight embody it like no other.”
Bridges added: “We have heard stories about communities helping one another, about individuals giving their time and energy to make people’s lives better and asking for nothing in return. We’ve learned about the power that each and every one of us has to make Manchester a better place no matter where we come from or what our background is.”
The event concluded with a call for positivity, as Bridges noted that in recent years society has felt more divided, but he wanted the night to be a beacon showing that good can outweigh bad. He thanked all attendees for making Manchester a brighter, safer, and kinder city.
