Go belfast Awards

Hot on the heels of the outstanding success of the first ever GO Belfast Awards in November 2007, international soft drinks brand 7UP have announced that they will once again be the title sponsor of this year's event.

The 7up GO Belfast Awards 2008 take place Friday 14th November at The Europa Hotel. Welcoming 7Up's continued association with the GO Belfast Awards, Niamh Boyle, Trade Marketing Manager of Hollywood & Donnelly distributors of international soft drinks brand 7Up said: "We are delighted to be joining forces with Go Belfast Magazine as title sponsor for the second year of the 7Up Go Belfast Awards.

"Last year's awards, which highlighted the very best of Belfast within the fields of entertainment and business and proved to be one of the most successful major awards and social events of 2007.

Model Zara Shaw launches the 2008 7UP GO Belfast Awards outside The Merchant Hotel - winner of last year's top award - The Golden Gong.

"As Ireland's number one lemon and lime drink, we're delighted to be associated with Belfast's number one glossy lifestyle magazine and we look forward to adding to the sparkle of the 2008 7Up Go Belfast Awards.

Dedicated to showcasing the very best of Belfast's retail, tourism, hospitality and entertainment sectors, the public will once again be tasked with voting for their favourite places in Belfast across 13 categories that include best pub, club, restaurant, hotel café and more.

A number of new categories have been added this year including best fashion retailer, media personality of the year, sports personality of the year, best live music venue and best hair salon. The overall award - The Golden Gong will be presented to the best of the best.

Niamh Boyle (centre) from 7Up with Go Belfast director Bill Penton and model Zara Shaw, launching the 7UP GO Belfast Awards outside The Merchant Hotel - the winner of last year's Golden Gongs

GO Belfast publisher Bill Penton said he was thrilled that 7Up was back on board as awards partner: "7Up is a young andvibrant brand and was a natural fit with our awards scheme and we look forward to continue our working partnership with the 7UP team."

"Though consumer orientated the 7UP GO Belfast Awards straddle the fields of entertainment and business and aim to celebrate and reward professional and successful businesses who have played their part in the regeneration of Belfast. We believe The GOngs will also help to motivate staff and to raise standards generally in the city."

The first ever GO Belfast Awards made headline news when famous faces and local personalities flew into Belfast to attend the glamorous evening on 2nd November 2007. Among the stars who stepped out on the red carpet were host James Nesbitt, singer Samantha Mumba, BB babe Orlaith McCallister, property developer and TV presenter Gary McCausland and Jim Corr from the Corrs.

The Europa was transformed with a sophisticated gold and black colour scheme and there were lots of surprises in store for the 400+ guests including an appearance by Posh & Becks, a moving statute and some scantily clad lift escorts! The packed entertainment line-up included local funny man Jake O'Kane, music from The Jane Bradfords and Iain Archer and a late night dj set courtesy of Fierce Angel.

The awards were designed to celebrate the 'Best of Belfast' and saw 11 businesses scoop the highly desirable 'gong' trophies. Over 18,000 votes were cast by the readers of GO Belfast magazine across the 11 individual categories, with the Golden Gong sponsored by Harry Corry going to the business which received the most overall votes - The Merchant Hotel.