Manchester shone brighter than ever as The ‘This is Manchester Awards 2025’ crowned this year’s winners at a spectacular ceremony held at The Point, Lancashire Cricket Club, celebrating a record 25 categories and welcoming over 600 guests from across the region’s business, cultural, and creative communities.
Among the most celebrated wins of the night, Kimpton Clock Tower took home Leading Hotel of the Year, while The Cut & Craft and Pip Mcr claimed the Leading Restaurant Awards for Formal and Casual dining respectively. Mahboob Hussain of Royal Nawaab Pyramid was named Leading Chef of the Year, with Ernest Van Sitters of Oddfellows on the Park recognised as Hospitality Personality of the Year.
The Brit Fest 2025 earned Leading Live Event of the Year, and The Monastery Manchester triumphed as Leading Live Event Venue. The AO Arena was honoured for Outstanding Contribution to Music, while celebrated boxing coach Joe Gallagher received Outstanding Contribution to Sport.
AO Arena’s General Manager, Gemma Vaughn said:
“We’re truly honoured to receive the Outstanding Contribution to Music at this year’s This is Manchester Awards. For three decades, the AO Arena has been at the heart of the city’s live music scene, welcoming global superstars, nurturing local talent, and creating unforgettable memories for millions of fans. As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, this recognition is a testament to the incredible artists, audiences, and teams who’ve made the Arena such an iconic part of Manchester’s story.”
Joe Gallagher added: “Truly honoured and humbled to receive this award, following in Pep’s footsteps last year and turning the city from Blue to Red! Amazing to be recognised in ‘The Oscars of Manchester’.”
The night’s highest honour, the Supernova Award, went to Joe Thompson, a former professional footballer who overcame cancer twice before dedicating his life to motivational speaking and mental health advocacy.
His wife Chantelle Thompson, who accepted the award alongside their daughter Thailula, said:
“It’s such a proud and emotional moment to see Joe honoured with the Supernova Award. His light continues to shine through everything we do, and this recognition celebrates not just his courage, but the hope, love, and impact he’s left behind. Joe always said, ‘Don’t live life to survive, live to thrive’, and tonight, that message lives on.”
Her words drew a standing ovation from the room, closing the evening in the true spirit of Manchester, resilience, pride and togetherness.
Now in its eigth year, the This is Manchester Awards continue to honour the innovation, resilience and creativity that define the region, across hospitality, live events, technology, fashion, arts, and community impact.
Founder and proud Mancunian, Ziara Siddique said: “Every year, the This is Manchester Awards remind us why this city leads the way. From world-class hospitality to grassroots changemakers, the 2025 winners represent the best of Greater Manchester’s spirit, ambitious, authentic and unapologetically proud and I’m always humbled to be amongst such inspiring people.”
