Meet the esteemed panel of judges deciding the winners of the Pride of Manchester Awards 2023

Activists, actors, performers, business leaders and councillors from across Greater Manchester have come together to decide the inspirational people who will be recognised at the Pride of Manchester 2023 awards.

While the names of who will be named the Young Fundraiser of the Year or receive the Outstanding Bravery award can’t be revealed just yet, we’ve got an inside look behind the nomination process - and what we could expect from this year’s inspirational heroes.

Judges including The Royale Family actress Sue Johnston, performer Jsky, Professor Erinma Bell MBE, actor Chris Bisson, and comedian John Thompson were all in attendance at The Kimpton Clocktower Hotel to discuss this year’s nominees between them.

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Celebrating Greater Manchester’s unsung heroes who have gone above and beyond to make a difference for others, the awards are a chance to support and encourage those who have either performed a single act of bravery, endured a long-lasting battle against the odds, or been inspirational and influential in their campaign work.

Nominations for the awards, which will be held at a lavish ceremony in May, closed last week after being open since December. Eight trophies will be handed out at the red carpet event, including the Emergency Services Award and the TSB Community Hero prize.

Previous winners have included Jane Gregory, who set up the Salford Survivors group after two local women were murdered by their abusive ex-partners, and 15-year-old Liam Preece who received the Teenager of Courage award for his upbeat YouTube channel following his bone cancer diagnosis.

Amongst this year’s