2017 Lancashire Tourism Awards, Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

One of the big nights for the region’s tourism industry saw 500 guests packed into an iconic venue

Great British Life: The packed ballroom at the Lancashire Tourism Awards 2017 The packed ballroom at the Lancashire Tourism Awards 2017 (Image: not Archant)

More than 500 guests hailed the heroes and heroines of Lancashire tourism at a glittering awards ceremony in the magnificent setting of Blackpool’s Tower Ballroom.

Dozens of organisations conntected to the hospitality and visitor attraction sector vied for the coveted trophies with BBC radio presenter Tony Livesey hosting the evening.

Ruth Connor, chief executive of Marketing Lancashire, told guests: ‘The latest annual visitor figures to Lancashire are now at a record-breaking 67 million. With these visitors spending over £4.1 billion and with almost 60,000 people now employed in tourism, we have a great deal to celebrate and look forward to.

‘I believe we have the people, the products and above all else, the right attitude to get this county noticed and appreciated. We have a lot to achieve to get to our goal of 70 million annual visitors by 2020 but with collaboration, ambition and confidence and with our true Lancashire spirit we will definitely get there.’

Lancashire’s Tourism Superstar Award 2017, the only one voted for by the public, went to creator of Crafty Vintage.

Everyone’s a winner

Small Visitor Attraction Award: HAPPA, Shores Hey Farm, Burnley

Large Visitor Attraction: Viva Blackpool

Dog Friendly: The Spread Eagle Inn, Sawley

Retail Experience: Whalley Warm & Dry

Large Hotel: The Midland, Morecambe

Business Tourism Provider: Winter Gardens, Blackpool

Small Tourism Event: Cloudspotting, Slaidburn

Large Tourism Event: LightPool Festival, Blackpool

Lancashire Café/Tearoom: Potters Barn, Ribchester

Self-Catering Holiday: Newton Hall Holiday Park, Blackpool