Viva event takes pride in Blackpool heroes

LGBT heroes were celebrated in glamorous style with the return of Blackpool's Pride Awards.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Jan 2018, 12:38 BST
Updated 26th Jan 2018, 12:42 BST
Kerry Merilo, Lewis Hodgson and Christine MeriloKerry Merilo, Lewis Hodgson and Christine Merilo
Kerry Merilo, Lewis Hodgson and Christine Merilo

The awards ceremony, saw lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people from the resort’s vibrant and diverse community, meet at Viva Blackpool to celebrate the winners of this year’s awards – in a rainbow-coloured comeback following the event’s six-year hiatus.

The red carpet evening was hosted by Jo Ashcroft and Callum Gillies and there were performances by Samuel Cummins, Miss Amber, Johnny Wright, Bethany-Jade, and Chris Lafferty.

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Guests also had the chance to win prizes, including a holiday for two to Benidorm, courtesy of World Travel Lounge.

Charlotte Dempsey, Zoe Sweeney, Kelsey Colquhoun, Paul Morgan-Trumper, Miss Amber, Anthony West, Mercedes and Victoria Williams-FlintCharlotte Dempsey, Zoe Sweeney, Kelsey Colquhoun, Paul Morgan-Trumper, Miss Amber, Anthony West, Mercedes and Victoria Williams-Flint
Charlotte Dempsey, Zoe Sweeney, Kelsey Colquhoun, Paul Morgan-Trumper, Miss Amber, Anthony West, Mercedes and Victoria Williams-Flint

Special awards recognising outstanding contributions to LGBT welfare were made. The long standing commitment to the LGBT community award went to Neil Cropper and Trades Hotel, while Peek-a-Booze was named as the Lancashire Constabulary Award for commitment to providing a safe LGBT inclusion zone. Callum Gillies was fund-raiser of the year and the community support award was won by Anthony West.

There were also more light-hearted accolades including Best Drag Act – Miss Amber and Diva – Jenny Ball.

Related topics:BlackpoolCallum Gillies