Some of the UK’s biggest music stars walked the red carpet today in Edinburgh for the annual Radio Forth Awards in association with Black Horse Finance.
The Stereophonics, Jason Donovan, James Blunt and Scots, Sharleen Spiteri and Leon Jackson, were a few of the acts to gather at the capital’s Assembly Rooms.
Hosted by Forth One’s Arlene Stuart and Grant Stott, the event, which is in its sixth year, attracted top artists and celebrities alongside a host of local heroes who have shone in community work, education, tourism and the workplace.
Radio Forth’s Managing Director, Cathy Kirk, said:
“The standard at the Radio Forth Awards is always very high but this year it has been exceptional. It is an honour to recognise the achievements of not just household names, but some of the unsung heroes who contribute so much to the quality of life and to the communities in Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife”.
Welsh rock legends, The Stereophonics, who are celebrating ten years of hits, were awarded the Radio Forth Music Recognition Award sponsored by Edinburgh’s Christmas. Kelly Jones wowed the crowd when he brought the curtain down on the star studded Radio Forth bash with blistering renditions of ‘Dakota’ and ‘Maybe Tomorrow’.
Originally formed in 1996, the band have amassed 11 top five hits, 21 top twenty hits and nine million worldwide album sales in little over ten years. Kelly and Richard accepted the award on behalf of the group.
This year, the Radio Forth Awards opened with Jason Donovan, who performed his new single ‘Dream Boats and Petticoats’. The former I’m a Celebrity star has returned to form with his new album ‘Let It Be Me’, which is out this week.
Multi award-winning performer, James Blunt, who has sold over 20 million albums worldwide, picked up the Radio Forth Best Performance Award sponsored by Heritage Portfolio. The singer’s new single ‘Love Love Love’ is currently out in the shops and is expected to top the charts.
Local boy and X Factor winner, Leon Jackson scooped a special Radio Forth Award for challenging music mogul Simon Cowell and winning. Leon sang his hit ‘Don’t Call this Love’ from his debut album ‘Right Now’.
Award winning comedian Craig Hill took to the stage for a set before awarding the Forth One Fringe Award, sponsored by Charlie Miller, to the Australian ‘Greased Lightning Drag Show’. The unusual and entertaining act recently performed to sell-out crowds this Summer at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Successful crime writing author Ian Rankin presented Mr Chris Holland with the Radio Forth Contribution to Edinburgh, the Lothian’s and Fife Award for his services to the Kirkcaldy Ice Hockey Team, which he coaches and manages in his spare time.
Victor Paris sponsored the Forth One Best Artist Award, which was presented to Sharleen Spiteri before she took to the stage to perform tracks from her new album ‘Melody’.
George Burley took time out from his busy Scotland managerial schedule to be on hand to present the Forth Two Contribution to Sport Award, sponsored by the Evening News. The winner was the triple 2008 Olympic Gold winner and local boy, Chris Hoy, who had pre-recorded a message for the crowd. His very proud parents, David and Carol were on hand to accept the Award on Chris’ behalf.
Patrick Campbell, Black Horse Finance Head of Marketing, said,
“We have been the main sponsor for some time and are happy to be involved with this high profile event that recognises unselfish work from local people, raises money for local charities and gives local business the opportunity to support and contribute to a local event that everyone can be proud of”.
2008 Award Winners and Finalists
RADIO FORTH Best Performance Award with Heritage Portfolio
Winner: James Blunt – Corn Exchange
Nominated: Travis – Picture House
Nominated: Sugababes-Playhouse
FORTH ONE Best Place to Work Award with Ocean Terminal
Winner: Edinburgh International Climbing Arena – Ratho, Edinburgh
Nominated: The Radiology Department – Kirkcaldy Hospital
Nominated: Wester Hailes Education Centre – Edinburgh
FORTH 2 Best Visitor Attraction with Continental Airlines
Winner: Edinburgh Castle - Edinburgh
Nominated: The Real Mary Kings’ Close – Edinburgh
Nominated: Roslyn Chapel – Midlothian
The FORTH ONE to Watch Award with The Liquid Rooms
Winner: Carrie MacDonald
FORTH 2 Local Bar or Restaurant with The Branding Company
Winner: The Bridges Pool Hall – South Queensferry
Nominated: Coady’s Bar– Dunfermline
Nominated: The Waiting Room – Edinburgh
RADIO FORTH Special Recognition Award
Winner: Leon Jackson
The Tom Wilson Award
Winner: Darren Crawford – Polwarth, Edinburgh
FORTH ONE Best Teacher Award with FFDR
Winner: Mr. Colston – Dalkeith High School, Midlothian
Nominated: Mrs Galeotti – Newtongrange Primary, Midlothian
Nominated: Mr. Santos – West Calder High School, Midlothian
FORTH ONE Best Fringe Award with Charlie Miller Hairdressing
Winner: Grease Lightnin’ Drag Show
Nominated: Ceaser Twins
Nominated: Jason Byrne
RADIO FORTH Contribution to Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife with George Wimpey
Winner: Mr.Chris Holland – Buckhaven, Fife
Nominated: Janey MacGregor – Musselburgh
Nominated: Sister Mary Aelrid – St.Katherines Convent, Edinburgh
RADIO FORTH Cash for Kids Award with St.James Shopping Centre
Winner: Radio Forth Allstars – Edinburgh
Nominated: Tom Taylor – Dunfermline
Nominated: Taylor-Claire Corringan
RADIO FORTH Best Artist Award with Victor Paris
Winner: Sharleen Spiteri
Nominated: McFly
Nominated: Westlife
FORTH 2 Contribution to Sport Award with Edinburgh Evening News
Winner: Chris Hoy
Nominated: Andy Murray
Nominated: Chris Patterson
RADIO FORTH Music Recognition Award with Edinburgh’s Christmas
Winner: The Stereophonics
ENDS
For more information contact Richard Muir on 07711 223 166
Gillian Hamilton at The BIG Partnership, on 07734 656 676
Kate McCheyne at The BIG Partnership, on 0141 333 9585
For advertising opportunities across Bauer Media’s radio stations please visit: www.bauermedia.co.uk/radio
