[E]xcitement is building for the ‘Oscars’ of Cumbria’s £2.72 billion tourism industry, as more details are revealed about the Cumbria Tourism Awards 2018 – including a high-profile celebrity host.
Alan ‘Deadly’ Dedicoat became known to millions as the voiceover for the National Lottery, as well as being the announcer for both Strictly Come Dancing and its American counterpart, Dancing with the Stars. He was also previously a newsreader on BBC Radio 2 and has worked alongside some of the biggest names in showbusiness throughout his 40 year broadcasting career.
Alan will be lending his dulcet tones to this year’s Cumbria Tourism Awards, which take place at Cartmel Racecourse on Wednesday 20th June.
There are a record-breaking 18 awards to enter for 2018, including new accolades for ‘Culture and Heritage Experience’ and ‘Adventure Experience’. The extended entry deadline of 5pm this Thursday 8 March is now fast approaching, with businesses ranging from restaurants, small guesthouses and B&Bs, to self-catering accommodation, hotels and visitor attractions being encouraged to throw their hats in the ring.
The finalists will be chosen by an independent panel of tourism experts later this Spring, and the main awards ceremony will take place at Cartmel Racecourse alongside Alan Dedicoat and hundreds of tourism businesses and professionals. Catering on the night will be provided by The Ilex at Holker Hall.
The ultimate winners will then have the chance to put their business forward for the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2019.
Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism, Gill Haigh, says, “Now in its 16th year, the Cumbria Tourism Awards go from strength to strength and we’re thrilled to confirm one of the most instantly recognisable voices from TV and radio as our host for the night.
She adds, “Of course, there’s still also time for tourism operators to put in their applications and give their businesses the recognition they so richly deserve. This will be my first Cumbria Tourism Awards, and I’m looking forward to celebrating some of the best success stories from right across the county. Following on from Cumbria’s second World Heritage designation for the Lake District, this truly is a Year of Celebration!”
Businesses wanting to showcase their excellence and innovation can download their entry form at: www.cumbriatourism.org/awards or contact [email protected] or [email protected] for further information.