Green Showcase Events

JODIE ANNOUNCES THE WINNERS

Lancashire and Blackpool Tourism Awards 2011/12

The winners of the Lancashire and Blackpool Tourism Awards 2011/12 were announced at a glittering black-tie event hosted by West End star and Lancashire lass Jodie Prenger, on the evening of Thursday 22 September 2011, at the Paradise Room, Pleasure Beach Resort, Blackpool.  

This year’s awards ceremony, attended by over 300 representatives of Lancashire and Blackpool’s £3billion visitor economy, was a stunning affair and saw more individuals, businesses, highly commended and joint winners than ever before. Categories such as Best Tourism Event of the Year, voted for by visitors to Lancashire and Blackpool and the Make A Difference Award, celebrating the work of some of the industry’s unsung heroes, were amongst the 17 enthusiastically received awards.

Obviously thrilled to be back on home ground, Blackpool-born Jodie was a huge hit as guest presenter and compere.  She also performed a couple of numbers, including her now signature song As Long As He Needs Me from the BBC TV programme I’d Do Anything, which propelled her into the public spotlight and the role of Nancy in Cameron Mackintosh’s revival of Oliver!

Cllr Cain, Blackpool’s Cabinet Member for Tourism and Culture welcomed guests and commented:  “2011 has been a fantastic year for the resort. Tourism is such an essential part of the resort’s economy and the awards are a great way of highlighting and rewarding the efforts that have been made over the last year.”

Mike Wilkinson, Managing Director of Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board who introduced the event said “Despite the tough times that we’ve all endured, we are a resilient bunch in Lancashire and tonight you’ve see the remarkable triumphs of individuals as well as businesses working in the county’s £3 billion visitor economy. Every finalist should be very proud of their achievements.”

The Awards – Winners, Highly Commended and Finalists 

(not in order of appearance on the night)

Bed & Breakfast/Guest Accommodation of the Year

The Ashton, Lancaster  – winner

Langtrys, Blackpool  – highly commended

Dam Head Barn, Nelson  – finalist

Meadowcroft Barn B&B, Edgworth    – finalist

Small Hotel of the Year

Best Western Mytton Fold Hotel, Langho  – winner

The Strand Hotel, Blackpool  – highly commended

Bedford Hotel, Lytham St Annes  – finalist

Briar Dene Hotel, Thornton Cleveleys  – finalist

Millstone at Mellor  – finalist

Large Hotel of the Year sponsored by University of Central Lancashire

The Midland, Morecambe  – winner

Big Blue Hotel, Blackpool  – finalist

Elgin Hotel, Blackpool  – finalist

Holiday Inn Preston  – finalist

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year

Old Holly Farm, Garstang  – winner

Burnley Mechanics Theatre  – highly commended

Canal Boat Cruises, Hoghton  – finalist

Thornton Hall Farm Country Park, Barnoldswick  – finalist

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year sponsored by Burbage Holiday Group

Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool  – winner

WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Nr Ormskirk  –highly commended

Pleasure Beach Resort, Blackpool  – finalist

Towneley Hall, Burnley  – finalist

Self Catering Award sponsored by Links Signs and Graphics

Coast Apartments, Blackpool  – winner  JOINT WINNERS

Martin Lane Farmhouse Holiday Cottages, Burscough  – winner

Canal Boat Cruises, Hoghton  – highly commended

Bronte School House, Nr Kirkby Lonsdale  – finalist

Caravan Holiday Park & Holiday Village Award sponsored by KPMG

Sunset Park, Hambleton  – winner

Claylands Park, Garstang  – highly commended

Bay View Holiday Park, Carnforth  – finalist

Windy Harbour Holiday Park, Poulton-le Fylde  – finalist

Business Tourism Award sponsored by Virgin Trains

Ribby Hall Village, Wrea Green  – winner

Best Western Premier Leyland Hotel  – highly commended

The Midland, Morecambe  – finalist

Pleasure Beach Resort, Blackpool  – finalist

Best Tourism Event of the Year sponsored by Fat Media

Blackpool Illuminations  – winner

Battle of Britain 1940’s Weekend, Lytham  – second Place

Clitheroe Food Festival    – third Place

Best Visitor Experience of the Year sponsored by Blackpool International Airport

WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Nr  Ormskirk  – winner

Grand Theatre, Blackpool  – finalist

Treasure Trails Lancashire  – finalist

Walkabout Theatre, The Dukes,  Lancaster  – finalist

Outstanding Customer Service Award

Michael Gore, Best Western Premier Leyland Hotel  – winner

Jessica Brookes, Best Western Premier Leyland Hotel  – highly commended

Team at Morecambe Visitor Information Centre  – finalist

Management Team at Stanley House Hotel  – finalist

Taste Lancashire Award

The Redwell Inn, Carnforth  – winner

The Midland, Morecambe  – finalist

Toast Cafe Bar & Grill, Blackpool  – finalist

The Villa, Clitheroe  – finalist

Ye Old Sparrowhawk, Burnley  – finalist

Visitor Information Provider Award

The Visit Garstang Centre  – winner

Blackburn Visitor Centre  – finalist

Lancaster Visitor Information Centre  – finalist

Discover Pendle Centre  – finalist

Sustainable Tourism Award sponsored by First Transpennine Express

Best Western Mytton Fold Hotel, Langho  – winner

Blackpool Zoo  – finalist

Caldertop Cottage, Preston  – finalist

Ribby Hall Village, Wrea Green  – finalist

Access for All Award sponsored by Eclipse Developments

Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool  – winner

World Horse Welfare Penny Farm, Nr Blackpool  – highly commended

Meadowcroft Barn B&B, Edgworth  – finalist

Ribble Steam Railway, Preston  – finalist

Marketing Campaign of the Year sponsored by Workhouse Creative Marketing*

Opening Brockholes, Lancashire Wildlife Trust, Preston  – winner

Opening Nickelodeon Land, Blackpool  – highly commended

Merlin and the Legend of Arthur marketing, The Dukes, Lancaster  -finalist

Pendle Walking Festival, Pendle Borough Council  – finalist

Making a Difference Award*

Victoria Fellowes  – winner  JOINT WINNERS

Marketing Manager, WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre

Bernard Gladstone  – winner

Volunteer Archivist, The Dukes, Lancaster

Brenda Atkinson  – highly commended

Volunteer/Preston Guild Co-ordinator Preston City Council

Brian Hall  – highly commended

Volunteer Conservationist, Burnley

*These award categories do not progress to national awards

Most of the winners will now progress to the national awards, to compete against other destination winners for a VisitEngland Award for Excellence 2012.

<<ENDS>>

Media enquiries: Anna Izza, Communications Manager, Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board on 01257 226614 or [email protected].