Now in its third year, Isle of Man Newspapers' prestigious Awards for Excellence ceremony recognised the outstanding achievements of the Island's high fliers in the public, private and voluntary sectors.

>>Click here to watch the video as it went out live on the night

>> Click here to view photo slideshow
>> All pictures are available to view and buy at photostoday.co.uk

More than one hundred entrants chosen by the Manx public were then whittled down to three finalists and an overall winner in each of 16 categories ranging from small business to volunteer of the year.

More than 600 guests, including winners, finalists and sponsors, dusted off their finery and converged on five banqueting venues to fortify themselves for the evening's excitment.

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>> Rousing rendition of Ellan Vannin by Robin Gibb
Includes video: Watch Robin Gibb speak to Joanne Clague and enjoy part of his performance on the Gaiety Theatre stage

>> Awards for Excellence winners announced
View photo slideshow

>> Visit the Awards for Excellence website

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Judges' chairman Hugh Davidson, a veteran of the UK marketing awards, said the outstanding quality of entrants was always a delight. Mr Davidson said the awards had been created off the back of the
Freedom to Flourish initiative which aimed to provide an environment in which everyone could reach their full potential.

'Freedom to Flourish is an Isle of Man promotion programme and the Awards for Excellence came out of that three years ago,' he said.
'Finalists and winners were impressive by any standards.

'But the experience of entering and participating in the awards is more important than winning as it shows a willingness to make a special effort and a desire to take part in a major event beneficial to the whole Island community.'

The event took place before the Island's Chief Minister Tony Brown and featured performances by Island celebrity Robin Gibb of the popular music group the Bee Gees, and local singer-songwriter Anna Goldsmith.

Mr Gibb performed Ellan Vannin with the choir of King Williams School and a recording of the piece will be sold in aid of Rebecca House, which he officially opened the following day (Friday).

Douglas West MHK Geoff Corkish was also in good voice providing a surprise rendition of the 1970s Tony Christie hit Amarillo, later resurrected by Bolton comedian Peter Kay. The Corkish version featured Isle of Man-customised lyrics.

Isle of Man Newspapers' deputy chairman Trudi Williamson said the event had again been a great success.

'It is very important to recognise the achievements of people in the Island and the nominees this year have been as good as ever.

'I would like to congratulate everyone, not just the winners and finalists but all of the nominees as well who have shown outstanding achievement.'

Isle of Man Newspapers' editor Richard Butt added: 'The awards showed the Isle of Man can celebrate in style, in spite of all the gloomy economic news we've had in the last few weeks.

'It's wonderful so many businesses and other organisations have got together to celebrate the success of so many Manx people and companies.

'The evening was not only a good excuse to socialise, but there were countless networking opportunities too.

'I'm delighted Isle of Man Newspapers has been able to facilitate all that.'

Mr Brown said: 'It's a wonderful occasion which is very much established in the annual calendar of the Isle of Man.

'It's absolutely fantastic we have an occasion where people in the community, whether charity workers, business people and those in both the public and private sector are now being given recognition for their achievements.

'I congratulate Isle of Man Newspapers for their vision and commitment in doing this and also the sponsors for their support.

'I would also like to thank Trudi Williamson for the amount of effort she has put in.'

Trade and Industry Minister David Cretney also offered his congratulations for a 'fabulous evening'.

'The awards bode well for the continuing diversity of our economy and I congratulate all the winners,' he said.

Isle of Man Newspapers' photographers were there to capture the glitz of the occasion on film and photograph orders can be made by logging on to www.photostoday.co.uk

WERE YOU AT THE GAIETY?
OR DID YOU YOU WATCH THE WEBCAST?
WHAT DID YOU THINK?
Send your comments to newsviews@newsiom.co.im

YOUR COMMENTS

It would be great if the whole show were available to view again, in its entirety, on line. I missed it as so many must have.
ADRIAN

Editor's note: The event, as filmed on the night, will be available online soon, to enjoy all over again at your convenience. Keep an eye on our pages next week, and we'll make an announcement as soon as it's ready.

I really enjoyed the evening and cant wait for next years, where can I find the photos that were taken on the night?
GARETH PRYCE-JONES

Editor's note: The pictures can be found by clicking the following link
http://www.photostoday.co.uk/Gallery.aspx?GalleryID=20897