"Unsung heroes" are being celebrating at an upcoming city event
Broadcaster India Willoughby with Rainbow Toffees Paul Hession
Broadcaster India Willoughby with Rainbow Toffees' Paul Hession
(Image: India Willoughby)
The city’s coveted Rainbow Toffee Awards are returning at the end of this month. Hosted by Everton FC's LGBTQ+ supporters group, the annual event celebrates individuals and groups making a positive impact in the local community.
This year's ceremony will be held on Friday, August 29, at Liverpool Central Library. The event includes a reception, a hot and cold buffet, and music performances.
It is being hosted by trans activist and TV personality India Willoughby. Musician Ian Prowse, magician David Burgess, and spoken word artist Saint Vespaluus will provide the entertainment.
Rainbow Toffees' Paul Hession, from Toxteth, told the ECHO: “At the Rainbow Toffees Awards, we don’t believe in competition on the night — our winners are chosen in advance.
Liverpool's Central Library is hosting the event
Liverpool's Central Library is hosting the event
“This reflects our ethos, it’s about celebrating and appreciating the kindness and good in people. Nominees are suggested to us, and from there, we carefully choose a winner and contact them directly. It’s a thoughtful process that stays true to our values.
“We want to offer a heartfelt, authentic alternative that celebrates real people doing real good, with no hidden costs or agendas. Appreciation and kindness should never come with a price tag.
“Other awards have tickets that can cost over £100, and finalists are put in direct competition with one another. We don’t believe in that.
Everton FC's LGBTQ+ supporters group Rainbow Toffees
Everton FC's LGBTQ+ supporters group Rainbow Toffees
“Our winners are announced in advance because our night isn’t about rivalry; it’s about recognition. It’s not about profit or prestige.
“It’s about celebrating everyday people doing extraordinary things. Our awards night is free from pressure, filled with community spirit, and grounded in the values we believe in: inclusion, kindness, and making everyone feel seen.”
Tickets for the event can be bought here.Money from the tickets is used to cover the costs of the night, which ends on the top floor of the central library.
Rainbow Toffee’s full list of winners
Heart of Gold - Still Ryan
Everton Podcast winner - Gulia Bould
Making a difference - Lesley Theadorus
Inspirational person - David Burgess
Going above and beyond - Hayley Burgess
Outstanding achievement - Cassie Willow
Disabled fan - Daniel Harden
LGBTQ+ inclusive venue - BoxPark
Backbone of the Blues - Ritchie Gilliam
Power of positivity - Peter Blue
Fan group - The 1878s
Unsung Hero - Mary Shinks
Young trailblazer - Emily Waldron
Action for the Homeless - Hands of Hope
Spirit of the Blues - Speedo Mick
Blue Blood Legend - Mike Dullaghan
Street support champions - Liverpool in Arms
Kindness courts - Charlotte Turner
Influencer of the year - James Foley