• 17 categories including artists, creatives, volunteers and community groups
• 55 finalists shortlisted by independent judging panel
• Four new categories including Live Event of the Year and Excellence in Film and TV.
• The glittering ceremony, hosted by Sam Quek, was held in Liverpool’s Everyman Theatre for the first time.

Writing royalty Jimmy McGovern was amongst those who took to the stage of Liverpool’s Everyman Theatre last night to be honoured at the 2026 Liverpool City Region Culture and Creativity Awards.

More than 500 entries from artists, creatives, volunteers and community groups were whittled down to 55 finalists for the awards that celebrate the very best of Liverpool City Region’s thriving cultural and creative sector.

Winners across 17 categories were revealed at last night’s glittering awards ceremony hosted by TV presenter and Olympic hockey gold medallist Sam Quek MBE at Liverpool’s Everyman Theatre.

PopVox Choir scooped The People’s Choice Award, which saw a record 4,500 votes cast by the public across the Liverpool City Region.

And writer Jimmy McGovern, the man behind dramas from Time, Unforgiveable and Hillsborough to Cracker and the early days of Brookside was honoured with the Judges Inspiration Award for outstanding creative contribution to the industry.

Other winners included Open Eye Gallery in the Community Cohesion category for their storytelling projects working with refugees and asylum seekers, members of the LGBTQI+ community and D/deaf and BSL users; and Andrew Salim of Central Waste who picked up the Environment Award for his volunteer work bringing together businesses, residents and community groups to clear and revitalise vital green space in some of Liverpool’s most densely populated and deprived areas.

The LCR Culture and Creativity Awards also introduced four new categories this year, including an Excellence in Film & TV award, won by Liverpool Film Office’s delivery of the Liverpool City Region Production Fund, celebrating the huge growth of the industry in the City Region.

Talent within the digital, gaming and creative media sectors was also recognised for the first time, with the Creative / Media Organisation of the Year  award presented to ArtsGroupie CIC, while the moments that brought people together were celebrated with a new Live Event of the Year award, taken home by ‘A Celebration of Zoe’s Place at M&S Bank Arena’ in Liverpool.

Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram said:

“Culture and creativity are woven into the fabric of who we are in the Liverpool City Region, from our world-famous music scene to the major film and TV productions choosing our region as their backdrop. But what makes us special is the talented people behind it all, helping cement our reputation as the UK’s cultural capital.

“I want to congratulate all of this year’s winners and finalists for the contribution they have made to our city region.”

Jimmy McGovern said:

“I got very emotional receiving the Judges’ Inspiration Award. I don’t really attend big awards ceremonies like the BAFTAs or anything, but this is local and celebrates our communities so it’s important to be here.

“I was blown away by the young people’s performances at the event – they were amazing – I’d love to come back next year!”

Last night marked the 7^th annual Liverpool City Region Culture and Creativity Awards and the second presented by Sam Quek MBE, who returned after previously presenting the Awards in St Helens in 2024.

Part of the Mayor Steve Rotheram’s Percent for Culture initiative, the accolades recognise the high value and huge contribution the cultural and creative sector brings to the City Region, reinforcing its reputation as one of the most vibrant and exciting places to live, work, visit, study or do business.

The 2026 event was sponsored by The ACC Liverpool Group, The Guide Liverpool, Hope Street Hotel, Trojan Lighting Solutions and Copeland Group Services.