Photography by Miles Holder
What an amazing event, last week Monday the 02 Arena held the biggest Youth Award’s showcase, The Spirit Of London Awards. The event champions and highlights London’s young hidden gems who are changing their communities. Since its inception in 2009 the awards night has gone from strength to strength; the Damilola Taylor Trust started the ceremony 9 years after the tragic murder of the 10-year-old.
In attendance to celebrate those young advocates was an awesome line up of musical acts which included Labrinth, McFly, Diversity, Maverick Sabre, Stooshe, Angel, Noisettes, ACM Choir feat Mizz Camara, Yolanda Brown and Chase & Status. The atmosphere of the event felt very positive with an intense vibe of excitement especially from the nominees. Russell Kane and Emily Atack filled the night with light humour as we switched through the various celebs who were announcing and awarding the winners. Making an appereance on the stage as award givers was Akala, Tim Campbell, Mitch Winehouse (Amy Winehouse’s Father) and SBTV’s presenter Georgia plus many more.
Like many I left the event feeling hopeful and inspired to start 2013 and definitely cant wait to see what next year has in store for SOLA because the event was incredible.
5/5
Winners of the night
Achievement Of Arts
Lee Denny, 22 Bromley
Achievement Of Business
Nick D’Aloisio 17, Merton
Community Champions
Arnold Kantanka 25, Croydon
Achievement In Education
Kerry Saunders 22, Hanslow
Achievement In Fashion
Samantha Park 24, Westminister
Achievement In Music
Jermaine Jackman 17, Hackney
National Campaigner
JonJo Heurman 10, Kent
Achievement In Sports
Matiullah Haider 19, Croydon
Young Hero
Sapphire Timson 12, Croydon
For more information about the SOLA Awards click here
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