The great and good of Southampton were out in their droves for a colourful celebration of the city and its citizens.
It was the hottest ticket in town as the 18th anniversary awards and achievement event, organised by Unity 101 Community Radio, started the year in style at the Novotel hotel in West Quay Road.
Special guests, including High Sheriff of Hampshire Amelia Riviere, Cllr Valerie Laurent, the Lord Mayor of Southampton and Mayor of Eastleigh, Cllr Nick Couldrey, were joined by 300 volunteers and supporters.
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The glitzy event was described as being filled with 'inspiration, celebration and unity' by organisers, who set out to recognise outstanding achievements in various sectors of society.
Entertainment included song and dance from a group of rising stars from Mayflower Youth Theatre, Om Shanti Om singers, and Chinese and Bollywood dancers.
An appreciative audience enjoyed Aneesha singing Alicia Keys with Falling, Princess with I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston and Naila's version of Caruso in Italian.
Southampton Dance Group ended the night with some classical Bollywood dance.
Guests enjoyed a delicious buffet style dinner laid on by caterers from Sanjha in Shirley.
Speakers included former city council leader Satvir Kaur, who talked about the positive aspects of Southampton and its enduring appeal, James Knowles, Vice Chancellor of Solent University, with his take on universities relationship with the local community and its impacts on us all, and director of Unity 101 Community Radio, Ash Rajput.
Awards were presented to Rajan Jolly and Shanti Waas, among others.
Ram 'Kelly' Kalyan from Unity 101 received the National 2023 Community Media Champion award.
He said: “This recognition means the world to me, and it reinforces my commitment to using media as a tool for community empowerment and unity and I look forward to continuing our collective efforts in making a positive difference in our community through media."
Michael Ockwell, from Mayflower Theatre and MAST Studios, presented certificates to radio broadcasting volunteers, while Hampshire Constabulary deputy chief constable Sam de Reya celebrated various others at the annual event.
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