Chris Kamara was such a big hit performing at last year’s Welcome to Yorkshire White Rose Awards at the First Direct Arena Leeds, that he’s returning for 2020 … online on Monday 23rd November at 7pm. Special celebrity guests will also be joining the celebrations via the wonders of technology, to raise a glass to the worthy winners at what is usually the biggest tourism awards ceremony in the UK. With massive prizes to be won it’s the must-go-to exciting event for all to be part of - #WRA2020 - So don’t miss it! It’s going to be the (gin and) tonic we all need right now.
A whole host of tourism representatives will be part of the ‘Big Night In’, all dressed up in their glad rags, hoping to receive a coveted White Rose Award. There are 17 hotly contested categories and bronze, silver and gold will be awarded in each throughout the evening.
The glittering cyber-ceremony, sponsored by York City Knights, will be a sensational sparkling celebration of all things tourism and anyone can join in by registering here www.yorkshire.com/wralive
The UK’s biggest tourism awards ceremony usually sees a thousand people celebrating the very best of the county’s tourism industry at a top Yorkshire venue. This year, to make sure all guests and finalists can enjoy the event, regardless of the COVID-19 restrictions in place, Welcome to Yorkshire are holding the White Rose Awards online.
There’ll be comedy (intentional) and footballing legend and TV personality, Chris Kamara, will be joining in the fun with a performance from his brand new album ‘And A Happy New Year’ (let’s hope it is). The former Sheffield United, Leeds United, Middlesbrough and Bradford City player will be celebrating all things Yorkshire alongside a roll call of very special celebrities from the world of screen and sport, who will help honour the very best in the county’s tourism and hospitality sector during what has been a particularly tough year for all.
The fantastic Natalie Anderson and Rich Williams will return as Welcome to Yorkshire’s wonderful White Rose Awards hosts for the evening, but socially distanced on this occasion. Both Yorkshire-born and bred presenters are thrilled to be hosting The White Rose Awards for a second time. Natalie Anderson is a proud Yorkshire woman, actress, presenter and an established lifestyle influencer with her online platform and brand The Capsule. She is best known for her prolific roles on ITV dramas Emmerdale and The Royal, plus guest presenting ITV’s This Morning, as well as appearing in musical theatre productions Wicked and Kay Mellors' Fat Friends - The Musical. Broadcaster Rich Williams is passionate about Yorkshire, presents on Virgin Radio and can be seen on LUTV, the official TV channel of Leeds United.
White Rose Awards’ Chair of Judges Elaine Lemm said: “Yorkshire has voted with its feet, when other areas chose not to have their award ceremonies, BUT in true Yorkshire fashion we are going ahead, which really reflects the grit of the tourism and hospitality sector here in the county during such difficult times. We may not be able to celebrate together in the usual way but celebrate we will, recognising and honouring the 2020 finalists and winners and the incredible work they all do in making Yorkshire amazing.”
Welcome to Yorkshire’s Chief Executive James Mason said: “This promises to be a fantastic celebratory evening which the Yorkshire tourism industry truly deserves. I’ve seen what the team have planned behind the scenes and it’s going to be action-packed, with top celebrities, amazing prizes and some wonderful worthy White Rose Award winners. Anyone can register to join in the celebrations.
2020 hasn’t been the year any of us expected, but we are completely committed to celebrating the vast tourism talent we have here in Yorkshire. This year’s awards relate to the 12-months between 1st April 2019 and 31st March 2020 which wasn’t affected by COVID-19. Since then however we know it’s been incredibly challenging for all our members but I’ve been blown away by the creativity and enthusiasm which has emerged with online events, shops and deliveries, virtual tours and performances. Monday night will be an opportunity to get together as #YorkshireTogether to shout about tourism and showcase Yorkshire as THE place to Visit, Live, Work and Study.”
