A rock icon, a Manchester United legend and community hero were among the big winners at the annual This is Manchester Awards 2026
(Image: Carl Sukonik | The Vain Photography)
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Rock legend Peter Hook, football icon Ella Toone and community hero Javeno McLean were among the winners at a major awards night celebrating the great and good of Manchester. The annual This is Manchester Awards returned to Emirates Old Trafford for a glittering night of celebrations of the people, places and organisations shaping Greater Manchester.
At the finale of the night, Joy Division and New Order bassist Hook was honoured with the Outstanding Contribution to Music Award - just a week before he will head to LA to represent the bands as they enter the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Meanwhile Manchester United and England Lioness hero Ella was given the Outstanding Contribution to Sport award on the night.
But it was community hero Javeno McLean getting the biggest surprise on the night - after he was named the Manchester Supernova for 2026 to huge applause and a standing ovation. His family and friends had kept the award a secret from him right until the moment when host Jenny Powell announced him up on stage on Thursday night.
The evening’s highest accolade, Javeno was honoured for his work as founder of the J7 Community Health Centre in Blackley. Known for providing free training for disabled people, older people and those living with serious illnesses, Javeno has dedicated more than two decades to helping people build strength, confidence and independence through fitness.
His work has made him an inspiring champion for inclusion, ensuring people who can feel excluded from traditional gyms have a place to thrive. The award celebrates exceptional people whose influence reaches beyond their own achievements, recognising those who use their platform, talent and determination to make a lasting difference. Javeno joins a distinguished roll of previous recipients including Marcus Rashford MBE, Fred Done, John Roberts, Julia Fawcett OBE, Dr Nighat Awan OBE, Sir Howard Bernstein and Joe Thompson.
Javeno McLean won the Manchester Supernova Award(Image: Carl Sukonik | The Vain Photography)
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Accepting the award he said: "I just want to inspire people and give people a million reasons to smile despite your ability. I just believe that everyone has got a place, everyone has got a value, everyone has got a beauty and I try to expose that as much as I can."
Peter Hook received Outstanding Contribution to Music, celebrating his place in Manchester’s musical story and the influence of his work across generations. The honour recognised a contribution that has helped carry the city’s creative identity around the world.
Receiving his award from fellow rocker John Robb, Hooky said: "I am here because I love Manchester, and I love Salford, and I've spent my whole life here working really hard for everything I've achieved in this moment which is this. I really do appreciate it and I love this city, and I love its neighbour even more - Salford rules!"
Peter Hook accepting his award(Image: Carl Sukonik | The Vain Photography)
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Ella Toone was honoured with Outstanding Contribution to Sport, recognising her achievements and the inspiration she provides for the next generation. Her award celebrated the power of sporting success to create opportunity, build pride and encourage young people to pursue their ambitions.
Ella said: “I’m really proud to win this award. Manchester is home for me and it’s played such a massive part in who I am, not just as a footballer but as a person.
“I’ve been lucky enough to live my dream through football, but now I want to use that platform to give something back as well. Whether that’s inspiring young girls, creating more opportunities through ET7 Academy or supporting communities across Manchester, hopefully we can make a real difference.
Ella Toone receives her award(Image: Carl Sukonik | The Vain Photography)
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“Manchester has always backed me, so to be recognised by the city means a lot. I’m absolutely buzzing.”
'Manchester has so much to be proud of'
Hosted by TV star Jenny Powell, the ninth annual awards brought together leading figures from hospitality, business, culture, sport and community life following more than 500 entries, with award presenters on the night including former Corrie star Helen Flanagan and health entrepreneur Davina Taylor.
From internationally recognised names to independent businesses and grassroots changemakers, the evening celebrated the ambition, creativity and community spirit that make Greater Manchester extraordinary.
Ziara Siddique, founder of the This is Manchester Awards, said: “Javeno, Peter and Ella represent so much of what makes this city special: talent, determination and the ability to inspire others. Each has made an extraordinary contribution in their own way, and it is a privilege to recognise them.
Helen Flanagan was among the award presenters(Image: Carl Sukonik | The Vain Photography)
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“But that spirit runs through every category. From the people creating opportunities for young Mancunians to the businesses investing in their teams and the venues bringing the world to our doorstep, our winners show what Greater Manchester can achieve.
“After more than 500 entries, tonight is a celebration of outstanding achievement and the people behind it. Manchester has so much to be proud of.”
The food and drink awards
Greater Manchester’s thriving food and drink scene delivered some of the evening’s most closely contested awards. LI~LY Restaurant by Aiden Byrne in Knutsford won Leading Restaurant of the Year (Formal), with judges praising its Michelin recognition, three AA Rosettes, team development and commitment to local sourcing, sustainability and community contribution.
The Black Friar, Salford, took the Casual dining title after achieving top scores across every judging question. Its food, team progression and support for causes including Eat Well MCR and Salford Foodbank helped secure the win.
Britt Wardle of 10 Tib Lane and Julian Pizer of Portfolio Mcr were joint winners of Leading Chef of the Year. Judges recognised Britt’s seasonal approach and investment in her team, while Julian’s distinctive tasting menus and longstanding relationships with specialist suppliers stood out.
Treehouse Manchester was named Leading Hotel of the Year, praised for bringing hospitality, culture, food, wellness and community together with a distinct personality. Federico won Leading Bar / Club of the Year.
Vikki Allen, Head of Premium Hospitality at AO Arena, received Hospitality Personality of the Year following an exceptional commercial year, alongside her fundraising for the Charlie Allen Foundation.
San Carlo were big winners on the night(Image: Carl Sukonik | The Vain Photography)
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San Carlo Group enjoyed a double celebration, winning Outstanding Business of the Year while CEO Marcello Distefano was named Entrepreneur of the Year. Judges praised the group’s ability to combine growth with family values and a commitment to its people, including 94 internal promotions over the past year. Marcello’s progression through the business and leadership of an operation spanning 38 restaurants and around 1,500 people also impressed the panel.
Co-op Live won Leading Live Event Venue of the Year, with judges highlighting its contribution to the local economy and employment. Leigh Sports Village’s Summer Concert Series took Leading Live Event of the Year, while Lowry received Leading Arts & Culture Venue of the Year for its commitment to inclusion, accessibility and community engagement.
Co-op Live won on the night(Image: Carl Sukonik | The Vain Photography)
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The inaugural Creative & Communications Impact of the Year award went to Roland Dransfield for Evening4Ricky. Judges praised the initiative for celebrating Ricky Hatton’s legacy and bringing together Manchester’s sporting, entertainment and music communities.
The Trafford Centre won Leading Retail Business / Brand of the Year, while Wongs Jewellers received Force of Fashion of the Year, recognised for combining digital innovation with community support and inclusive customer experiences.
Edgey took Leading Technology / Digital Innovator of the Year, with judges impressed by its proprietary technology and transparent reporting. Radisson Hotel Manchester City Centre received Leading Sustainability & Impact of the Year for its work on verified net zero hotel operations.
The awards also recognised the people turning commitment into practical change across Greater Manchester. Parvez Qadir, Artistic Director at Breaking Barriers, was named Individual Making a Difference. Judges highlighted 80 projects and schools programmes reaching almost 30,000 young people, alongside paid opportunities for emerging local creatives.
Davina Taylor was celebrating Manchester at the awards(Image: Carl Sukonik | The Vain Photography)
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Manchester Foundation Trust Charity received Organisation Making a Difference, with its fundraising supporting projects including the helipad, Rocket Scanners and MediCinema. Girls On The Go won Individuals and/or Organisations Promoting Wellbeing for its work helping women connect through healthy living, fitness and social activities.
Edwin Buckley of The Prominence Collective received Diversity & Inclusion Leader / Changemaker of the Year, recognising more than 15 years of advocacy and practical campaigns amplifying under-represented voices. Jack Liepa, Chair of The Proud Trust, was named One to Watch – Young Person of the Year. At just 25, his leadership, work to strengthen the organisation and commitment to accessible LGBTQ+ community spaces stood out.
Rachel Law, CEO of PossAbilities, received Woman of the Year for leadership that has kept the people her organisation supports at its heart, creating homes, opportunities and community activities.
Outstanding Debut of the Year went to BREAKOUT – Built Different By Design, founded by Roman Dibden, for its approach to mentoring and employer relationships that continue beyond the programme itself.