Express & Star

More Wolverhampton heros to be unveiled

From Olympic athletes to rock stars and footballers - leading figures who provide an inspiration for those in the area they were born.

Published
Steve Buill

Wolverhampton Famous Sons & Daughters Awards honours the high achievers from Wolverhampton.

And on November 9, an event providing the accolade to more people will be held at the Molineux Stadium to celebrate their achievements.

Among those on the roll on honour are Slade guitarist Dave Hill and Olympic gold medal winner Denise Lewis and Wolves legend Steve Bull.

Four times world pursuit cycling winner Hugh Porter MBE is also on the list.

The event is organised by Partners in Progress, a group set up to promote the city which consists of representatives from Express & Star, City of Wolverhampton Council, University of Wolverhampton and other leading Wolverhampton businesses.

Dicky Dodd from Signal 107 will compere the evening and Mr Porter will interview the recipients on stage.

The awards will be presented by local celebrities including past winners.

Other previous award winners are Beverley Knight, Baroness Rachel Heyhoe-Flint, Wolverhampton Wanderers legend Steve Bull, TV presenter Suzi Perry and Olympic gold medallist Denise Lewis.

A full list of all previous winners since the event began in 2011 can be found on a plaque outside The Gateway @ The George in the city centre.

A panel of judges, which includes members of Partners in Progress, have decided to present seven awards this year. The names of this year’s recipients will be released in due course.

Chairman of the Partners in Progress group Graham Evans said: "It is absolutely fantastic that the Famous Sons & Daughters Awards is returning for another year.

“There are so many talented people from Wolverhampton who have given the people of the city a sense of civic pride. We are rightly proud of our famous sons and daughters and look forward to honouring another group in November.

“The evening always has a positive atmosphere, and Partners in Progress are delighted to be involved with such an uplifting event once again.

"We believe it is important to celebrate the legacies of these local heroes who have helped put Wolverhampton on the map."

Businesses from around the city are being urged to buy places at the evening which includes a drinks reception, dinner and the glittering awards ceremony.

A table for 10 costs £600 or an individual ticket £60.

Those interested in booking places can call Chris Bywater or Isobel Bennett at First City on 01902 710999 or email chris@firstcity.co.uk. Places are limited.