Jane McDonald named legend as stars honoured in Manchester

Singer Jane McDonald was hailed a legend alongside a host of famous faces at the annual Variety Legends of Industry awards in Manchester. The event aims to celebrate those who have achieved outstanding success in their chosen fields of business and industry.

The glittering ball was held at the Hilton Hotel on Deansgae. The event helps to raise vital funds for Variety, the Children’s Charity in the Northwest to support disabled and disadvantaged children and young people.

This year's celebrity winners included The Cruise star Jane, who wowed in a sequin-clad suit to collect her prize, alongside The Chase's Mark Labbett, 80s star Shakin' Stevens, The Royle Family's Ricky Tomlinson and comedian Les Dennis.

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Radio star James Whale MBE was honoured for his broadcasting career, while Great British Bake Off Winner Nadiya Hussain MBE was recognised in the Culinary Arts category and sports star Richard Whitehead MBE honoured in the Athletics category.

Campaigner Kelly Brown was hailed Local Legend on the night for her charitable work in Manchester following the tragic loss of her son Rhamero Latteece West to knife violence when he was just 16 years old.

In response to the heartbreaking event Kelly channelled her pain into taking a stand against knife crime. In memory of her son, she set up the Mero's World Foundation, a charitable initiative to install vital first aid stations across Greater Manchester.

Events guru Julie Perry, who famously organised Coleen and Wayne Rooney's wedding, was honoured in the Hospitality and events category, and said: "I am extremely grateful and humbled to receive a ‘Legends of Industry’ Award, and I would like to thank Variety, the Children’s Charity, for this tribute.

“When I started Julie Perry Events, I never dreamt of it being the success it has become. It has been a lifetime of hard work and determination to deliver the best possible experience for my clients.

"I couldn’t have achieved all I have without the support of my two sons and the fantastic team who work with me, with whom I share this award.”

The winners join a list of esteemed recipients of the Variety ‘Legend of Industry’ Award, including Bryan Robson, Dame Kelly Holmes, the late Sir Howard Bernstein, Noddy Holder, Deborah Meaden and Sheridan Smith, to name just a few.

The event started with the amazing children of “Shooting Stars” who performed for over 450 guests showing that children with disabilities performing wonderful dance routines. A young Variety Ambassador Dante Marvin went on stage to thank everyone who supported in 2023 children in wheelchairs like himself.

Entertainment followed the Awards ceremony with International show band REMIX. The event's headline sponsors were Michael Josephson MBE Stocks 2015 and the Geddes-Wood Family Trust.

Lyn Staunton, Development Director of Variety, the Children’s Charity, commented: “We are always humbled by the outstanding achievements of each recipient of our Legends of Industry Awards, who have all excelled themselves in their chosen fields.

“The Legends of Industry Awards are sold out months in advance because it is known as such a great event in the calendar.

“The event raises funds to provide positive experiences for disabled and disadvantaged children and young people. Variety provides practical help, including Variety Sunshine Coaches, Variety wheelchairs, and specialist equipment through its grant programmes, in addition to creating memorable childhood experiences through Variety Great Days Out.”