Critically acclaimed actress Eithne Browne is set to present the 2020 Liverpool City Region Culture and Creativity awards which, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, are being celebrated online this year.

The Huyton-born actress, who has most recently appeared in Coronation Street and Emmerdale but who is most well-known for her role as Chrissy Rogers in Brookside, will host the glittering digital event on February 19^th 2021 and will be joined by a number of guest presenters from the city region including the Principal Dancer of the Royal Ballet Matthew Ball, music artist and DJ Yousef, actress Leanne Best and chef Paul Askew.

45 finalists have been shortlisted for the awards by a judging panel led by Chairs of the Culture Partnership, Phil Redmond and Maggie O’ Carroll. There were more than 700 nominations from across the whole of the city region this year, in a huge show of support for the cultural sector which has suffered a massive impact in the face of Covid-19.

Six of the finalists are up for the public vote in the People’s Choice Award for Outstanding Contribution to Culture, where they have made a significant difference to the quality of life at either a local, Borough or City Region level. There’s still time to vote here – it closes tomorrow (Tuesday 26^th January 2021) at 5pm.

Host Eithne Browne said:

“I am honoured to have been asked to host the Culture and Creativity awards this year. It has been an incredibly tough year for the industry, for everyone involved in the arts due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Celebrating everything that people have done to go above and beyond to adapt and be creative within their communities as well as across our cultural organisations; with events moving online and socially distanced performances; is much needed in this climate and good for our wellbeing to recognise them for their hard work in terrible circumstances.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a different feel to the 2020 awards ceremony which is taking place online but it is hoped that while we may be missing the glitz and glamour of a big night out, we can still enjoy the magic of the red carpet from our own living room. Anyone can register to watch the event and join us.

And if you want to really get into the spirit of things you can participate by entering the #DressItUp competition which invites both professionals and amateurs to create a spectacular outfit, head-dress or accessory for the event for a chance to win a special prize. There are more details here.

The Culture and Creativity awards were created as part of the Metro Mayor’s Percent for Culture initiative, to recognise the value and power for change that the arts, cultural and creative sector can bring in reinforcing the city region as one of the most vibrant and exciting places to live, work, study, visit or do business. The 2020 awards are delivered in partnership with Sefton Borough of Culture 2020 and sponsors include LuBan Restaurant, LuBan Kitchen, INNSiDE by Melia Liverpool, Davies Partnership and Accountable Recruitment.

This year’s awards cover arts and cultural events, innovation and creative activity that has taken place within the Liverpool City Region during the period 1st April 2019 to 12th November 2020.