Social Pictures: Glitz and glamour from the second Black and Irish Gala Awards

A celebration of the trailblazers in the Black and Irish community, the B.I.G Awards brought together many well-known names and faces.

When was it?

Saturday, 3 December

Where was it?

Radisson Blu Hotel in Stillorgan, Dublin

Why were we there?

Hundreds of people gathered at the Radisson Blu Hotel to celebrate trailblazers in the Black and Irish community this past weekend.

The night began by honouring tailor and long-standing anti-racism campaigner Jude Hughes for his decades of incredible work. Jude received a standing ovation and his words of encouragement to the up-and-coming Black and Irish community were really felt around the room. Leon from the Black and Irish team announced that the B.I.G. Award is now being named the Jude Hughes B.I.G. Award. The inaugural Jude Hughes B.I.G. Award was won by the poet, playwright and performer, Feli Speaks.

It was a big night for Dami Hope, who flew in from LA to attend the awards. The Love Island star picked up awards for Personality of the Year and Creator of the Year. Fellow Wexford man Michael Abidoye was crowned Community Star of the Year.

The night carried on for many who had the opportunity to see live performances from Gliders, a surprise set from charting drill artist Sello, Fyer Band and a set to close the night from DJ Wax.

Here’s a full list of all the winners that took home awards on the night…

• Podcast of the Year (Sponsored by RTE 2FM) – WYHA Podcast
• Activist of the Year – Destiny Ayo Vaughn
• Educator of the Year – Dr Ebun Joseph
• Content Creator of the Year – Dami Hope
• Personality of the Year – Dami Hope
• Community Star of the Year (Sponsored by Intel) – Mick Abidoye
• Entrepreneur of the Year – Manny the Barber
• Business of the Year – Sparkles Cocktails
• Community Organisation of the Year – Open Circle
• Sports star of the Year (Female) – Rhasidat Adeleke
• Sports star of the Year (Male) – Israel Olatunde
• Actor of the Year – Florence Adebambo
• Female Artist of the Year – Tolu Makay
• Male Artist of the Year – Offica
• Outstanding Contribution to Music – Mixed by Simba

Photography by Brian McEvoy.

See some more sensational style from the second Black and Irish Gala Awards by browsing through the gallery below…