ONE of the biggest nights in the Isle of Man’s calendar, the Isle of Man Newspapers Awards for Excellence, will be held at the Villa Marina next Thursday (November 15).
Beginning with a champagne reception for finalists and ending with the Lifetime Achievement Award for someone who has given tirelessly to the island’s community, the Royal Bank of Scotland International-sponsored event is a glittering affair.
This year the ceremony will be hosted by quick witted comedian and television host Clive Anderson.
Clive has hosted chat shows and is perhaps best known for the smash hit Channel 4 comedy improvisational programme Whose Line Is It Anyway?
He will be presenting prizes to those who have won across the 16 categories, each one sponsored by a local business or organisation.
The ceremony will be streamed live on Isle of Man Newspapers website {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/afe|www.iomtoday.co.im/afe}.
The end of last month saw the three finalists in each category announced and they, along with friends, colleagues and family will gather on Thursday night to learn if they have won one of the coveted trophies.
As well as sponsors and those who have been shortlisted, there will be a vast array of dignitaries, including business leaders and politicians in attendance.
Performing in the Royal Hall during the ceremony will be Red Hot Strings. Described as the UK’s finest and most successful female electric violin duo, their unique blend of musical choreography and energy create a stunning and visually impressive show that has wowed audiences the world over.
The slick David Holland Orchestra will also perform, as will 11-year-old Ashley Hill School pupil Lauryn Anderson.
Lauryn attends Stage One drama school as well as having guitar, singing and piano lessons. She recently appeared as an orphan in Annie at the Gaiety Theatre.
Presenting the Isle of Man Government-backed Freedom to Flourish Award will be Chief Minister Allan Bell, who in previous years has taken the opportunity to deliver a rousing and uplifting call to the community to get behind the Isle of Man in its quest to succeed.
Last year’s Freedom to Flourish Award was won by Isle of Man Advertising and PR.
As well as the Lifetime Achievement Award – which is presented at the end of the night and was last year won by charity worker Olga Gray – the 16 categories are: Excellence in the Use of Technology, Charity, Cultural and Social Enterprise, Corporate Social Responsibility, Innovation and Independent Thinking, Young Achiever of the Year, Public Sector Achievement of the Year, Company of the Year, Freedom to Flourish, International Business of the Year, Business Person of the Year, Small/Medium Enterprise of the Year, Customer Service, Teamwork, Marketing and PR Effectiveness, Volunteer of the Year and People Management and Development.
The Awards ceremony begins at 8.30pm.
A limited number of tickets are still available from the Villa Marina Box Office on 600555.
There are also corporate hospitality opportunities. Contact Sarah Radcliffe on 695695 or {mailto:sarah.radcliffe@newsiom.co.im|sarah.radcliffe(at)newsiom.co.im}.
{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/afe|www.iomtoday.co.im/afe}.