Matt’s honour at being invited to be a compere
Humbled Matt Bailey told hundreds of Best of Wearside Awards guests they were anything but ordinary people.
The compere for the evening, who is a breakfast presenter on Capital FM Radio North East, said it was “an absolute honour to be invited” to the awards.
And then, as the event got off to a start, he put the whole night into perspective.
The Best of Wearside Awards, aims to reward those unsung heroes who do fantastic work in the community.
“Tonight is supposedly a celebration of ordinary people and their extraordinary achievements,” said Matt. “I completely disagree,” he added.
“Every single nominee, there are no ordinary people, only incredible individuals and I can’t wait to get started.”
He said: “The room is full of so many amazing people.”
Matt presided over a great night which included live singing from the Songbirds – a talented group who had been raising the spirits of care home residents around the area through their singing.
Starting out in the summer of 2015, the teens have been performing in three care homes regularly as well as landing gigs such as on the Keel Square Christmas light switch on last year.
They attracted rapturous applause with their songs at the Best of Wearside Awards.
A prize draw was also held on the night with every one of the shortlisted contenders getting a chance to win prizes such as tickets to a Sunderland match or a chance to win a signed shirt.
There was also a chance to have a photograph taken with a replica of the FA Cup or to pose for shots in front of the many old Sunderland shirts that were on show.
And there was even a red carpet walkway for guests to walk on as they made their way into the room for the evening’s entertainment.
Children also got a chance to pose with fun props for photographs.