Gates open on the best

Celebrities, live music and an enthusiastic audience made the second annual event a night to remember.

Pop heart-throb Gareth Gates got the biggest cheers of the night when he took to the stage at the Civic Hall to perform three songs.

Devoted fans travelled to Wolverhampton from all over the country for the occasion, with some turning up six hours early to catch a glimpse of their idol – even mobbing him when he popped out for a drink in city centre bar Yates's.

Backstage the Pop Idol runner-up told the Express & Star he was thrilled to be making a musical comeback but admitted he had been glad of the break.

"I didn't really get chance to take in everything that was going on around me after Pop Idol," he said.

"But I would never change it. I have absolutely no regrets about the show at all but this time will be more gradual. I am with the same management but I have a bit more control.

"It has been a few years since the show and obviously I have grown up and matured and so has my music."

The highlight of the night, Gareth performed three songs including his new single Angel On My Shoulder, which the sweet Bradford lad said was about his mother. With a red carpet greeting for guests, it was clear it was going to be an extra special evening from the start.

Wolverhampton Civic Hall, usually crammed full of music fans enjoying gigs, was transformed into a glittering awards venue to honour the cream of Black Country entertainment.

With photographers snapping the finalists as they arrived, guests got a taste of the high-life when they appeared to bump into two of the world's biggest music stars and the heir to the throne.

In fact, the three "celebrities" greeting everyone as they came in were uncanny lookalikes of Kylie Minogue, Rod Stewart and Prince William.

It marked the start of a thrilling night which would see awards go to some of the most hard-working people in the Black Country entertainment business who ensure we enjoy a drink, dance, a good meal or even a first-class show.

The big winner of the night turned out to be the host venue, the Civic Hall, which scooped a hat-trick of awards along with its neighbours Wulfrun Hall and the Little Civic.

Beaming Crissie Rushton, marketing and events officer for all three venues, said: "We were really hopeful but we never expected to win all three. We've had some amazing acts perform at all three venues over the last 12 months. This is the first time Wulfrun Hall won and it has got to be down to so many great bands playing there this year, including Just Jack and Jamie T. "The staff at the Little Civic, are a real credit to the venue as well. Everyone has worked really hard." The star-studded event, arranged in conjuction with Heart FM and Black Country Tourism, was the culmination of weeks of tension for the finalists, who had a nail-biting wait to find out if they had won.

Tens of thousands of votes had been cast by supporters desperate for their favourite pub, club, takeaway and nightspot to get the recognition they deserved. The room was brimming with excitement as Heart FM DJs including Steve Denyer, breakfast team duo Ed James and Sarah-Jayne Mee, Dave Clarke and Warren Moore hosted the night.

Best Pub went to The Combermere Arms, whose party leapt to their feet in joy when the name was read out.

The pub in Chapel Ash is one of the oldest watering holes in Wolverhampton. Ecstatic landlord Gavin Craig said: "This feels absolutely fantastic. This is about the pub that we run. I am very proud of all the staff and want to thank all the customers who create a wonderful place."

Wolverhampton city centre's Quadrant Lounge won Best Bar for the second year running. Owner Patrick Ross-Plummer said: "We were really nervous but we're over the moon we've won again. We pride ourselves on offering something different from the mainstream and I think that's why our customers voted for us again."

Another second-time winner was Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre which scooped Best Theatre Venue, beating Birmingham Hippodrome and the Prince of Wales Theatre in Cannock.

Front of house manager Claire Poneroy, who received the award from Wolverhampton mayor Councillor John Davis, said: "We are absolutely thrilled. We knew the result would be pretty close and so we are really honoured. This award is a testiment to all the people who always put in 100 per cent into their work and it is great to know that the people appreciate that."

Wolverhampton-based band Whitmo' Deans warmed up the crowd with three funky tunes that have gained them a huge following in bars and clubs around the Black Country.

The seven-strong group, who all hail from Wolverhampton except talented lead singer Jo Palfrey, said they were thrilled to be playing at the event.

Best Cinema award went to Showcase in Dudley, with the runners up both Wolverhampton venues, Cineworld and the Light House.

It was second-time lucky for the Black Country Living Museum as well after it scooped Best Day Out yet again. Marketing manager Emma Middleton said: "We are just absolutely delighted. We knew we were up against some stiff competition. It is really important because it is the people who vote for the winners, so it is great to know that visitors like what we are doing."

Best takeaway went to Roberto's Dial-a-Pizza in Codsall. It was a fantastic achievement for proprietors Steve and Lynn Mitchell, who only opened the shop in October last year.

South Staffordshire Entertainment Council's Jack Stain took to the stage to read out the winner of Best Social Club.

It went to Brierley Hill Labour Club, and president Malcolm Edward could not contain his excitement. He said: "We have the best club because there is great entertainment and the members are absolutely brilliant."

US singing sensation Ross Copperman and his band took to the stage to give the crowd a taste of his crazy keyboard antics, soulful voice and self-penned tracks.

The 24-year-old Virginian-born singer/songwriter was releasing his debut single All That She Wrote today and has already been compared to the likes of Robbie Williams and Keane.

Wombourne Tandoori romped home for the second time in two years with the Best Eating Place – Casual award.

Rafique Miah, who has run the curry house for 20 years, said: "This is really for my staff. They work very hard to give wonderful service and I would not be able to run the restaurant without them."

The sumptuous food at the Thorns Inn in Brierley Hill saw the popular eatery win Best Eating Place – Pub hands-down. And Italian restaurant Bella, in Chapel Ash, Wolverhampton, picked up the gong for Posh Nosh.

Owner Carmine Scaringi said: "I am so pleased. We work very hard to offer our customers very contemporary food in a relaxed atmosphere with good service at all times."

Best Club Night went to Insomnia in Walsall.

Acid jazz heroes Brand New Heavies closed the show with two of their biggest hits and their new single.

The band played a sell-out concert at the Civic Hall back in 1997 and said it was great to be back.

Guests then danced away into the early hours with a disco to wind up the night.

Express & Star promotions manager Viv Birch said the evening had been a huge success.

To see the video winners log on to www.expressandstar.com/video/news