• 15 categories including artists, creatives, volunteers and community groups
• 54 finalists shortlisted by independent judging panel
• Awards ceremony hosted by BBC Radio Merseyside’s Billy Hui at Wirral’s Floral Pavilion

An Alder Hey arts programme, a large-scale mural project and an eleven-year-old boy were among the winners at the Liverpool City Region Culture and Creativity Awards 2025.

More than 600 entries from artists, creatives, volunteers and community groups were whittled down to 54 finalists for the awards that celebrate the very best of Liverpool City Region’s thriving cultural and creative sector.

Sixteen winners across 15 categories were revealed at last night’s glittering awards ceremony hosted by BBC Radio Merseyside’s Billy Hui BEM DL at New Brighton’s Floral Pavilion.

The Flower Streets Mural Project scooped The People’s Choice Award, which saw nearly 3,000 votes cast from across the Liverpool City Region.

People’s Choice Award winners – The Flower Streets Mural Project.

Other winners included eleven-year-old break dancer Khalil Aydemir, who was named Inspirational Young Person of the Year, and Alder Hey’s Arts for Health Programme which picked up the Health and Wellbeing award.

Inspirational Young Person – Khalil Aydemir

Make CIC was named Arts Organisation of the Year for their outstanding transformative work in Birkenhead.

Arts Org of the Year – Make CIC

Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram said:

“Each year, these awards help highlight the incredible and emerging talent that make our region truly stand out as the UK’s cultural and creative capital. Whether it’s catching a play, enjoying a gig, looking on or taking part, culture is at the heart of everything we do.

“When we set up these awards, it was to say a huge thank you to the inspiring individuals and businesses that make our area so special. I’m excited for another night of celebration, where we’ll recognise those who enrich our lives every day and continue to put the Liverpool City Region firmly on the map as the epicentre of culture, innovation, and creativity.”

The Judges Inspiration Award, recognising an individual’s lifelong creative contribution, was presented to Producer, Artistic Director and Creative Consultant Karen Gallagher MBE.

She said:

“I was overwhelmed to be considered for this award. Engaging with people to provide access and support to culture and creativity as well as finding new ways of reaching communities has been the cornerstone of my work over the last four decades.

“These awards are recognising how instrumental culture and creativity is in inspiring others, facilitating change and creating a social sense of belonging. Congratulations to everyone involved this year.”

Judges Inspiration recipient Karen Gallagher on stage with Mayor Steve Rotheram (left) and Host Billy Hui BEM DL

The sixth annual Culture and Creativity Awards were made possible through the Mayor’s commitment to cultural activities across the Liverpool City Region. They were returning to Wirral – last year’s Borough of Culture – which hosted the first ceremony in 2019.

Emerging indie band Keyside played at the event that also delighted audiences with performances by Katumba, Katie Nicholas and dancers from Anamal Dance Academy.

Musician and BBC presenter Billy Hui BEM, who is also a Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside and Founder and Musical Director of the multi-award winning SingMe Merseyside Choir said:

“What an event! I was delighted to be part of the awards, and it was lovely to celebrate them at the beautiful Floral Pavilion in New Brighton which has hosted so many cultural and creative icons over its 100-year plus history.

“Congratulations to all of the winners and the finalists, they do great work across the city region and should be so proud of their achievements!”

The 2025 event was sponsored by Liverpool One, ACC Liverpool, The Guide, The University of Liverpool Skills and Employability and 92 Degrees Coffee.

Have a look through our gallery of pictures of the winners.