From standout winners to celebrity guests and dazzling performances, The Gaydio Awards returned in style for its fourth year on Friday 20 March - with a win for Warwickshire. 

On Friday 20 March, the Gaydio Awards returned to Manchester for its fourth year, recognising individuals, organisations, and initiatives making a meaningful difference to LGBTQ+ lives across the UK. Hosted at Manchester's iconic Deansgate Hotel, the ceremony brought together nominees, industry figures, and celebrity guests for an evening of celebration and star-studded performances.

16 awards were presented throughout the night, with performances from X Factor Winner, Louisa Johnson; breakout girlband XO, viral music sensation MEEK and drag star Bailey J Mills.

Daniel Browne was named Volunteer of the Year, recognised for over a decade of dedication to Warwickshire Pride, raising over £500,000 for the organisation along the way.

The purple carpet welcomed a number of famous faces joining the celebrations, including The Traitors’s Amanda & Reece, Big Brother’s Zelah & Feyisola and Coronation Street’s Farrel Hegarty & Julia Goulding, who joined attendees in celebrating the achievements of those working to support and uplift the LGBTQ+ community.

From grassroots activism to major cultural contributions, this year's winners reflected the passion and dedication driving progress for the LGBTQ+ community across the UK.

Among the night's most celebrated moments, the Lifetime Achievement Award supported by Tesco was presented to DJ Paulette, while the Gaydio Icon Award went to Ella Morgan. Coronation Street’s LGBTQ+ domestic abuse storyline received the Outstanding Entertainment Contribution award supported by Hayu, and JADE was named Music Artist of the Year supported by Stanley1913.

From grassroots volunteers to pioneering charities, inclusive sports clubs to queer-led media, the full list of this year's winners reflects the passion and dedication driving progress for the LGBTQ+ community across the UK.

Kriss Herbert, Network Content Director at Gaydio said, “Four years on, the Gaydio Awards continue to uncover the incredible work happening in communities across the UK that might otherwise go unrecognised. This year’s winners - from volunteer organisers to pioneering charities, grassroots media to inclusive sports clubs - represent the best of what happens when the community comes together to create change. We’re incredibly proud to be shining a light on those who make such a difference and we can’t wait to do it all over again for our fifth year!”

For more information on this year’s Gaydio Awards head to gaydioawards.co.uk and keep an eye on social platforms @gaydio for more exciting announcements for next year’s event.