You know when you haven’t been drinking but end up feeling like you have? Giddy, happy, bit louder than normal? That’s exactly how I felt last Thursday night after just one glass of champagne.

The  reason? It was the Medway Culture and Design Awards, held at the Corn Exchange in Rochester, and many of the creative community I’m privileged to be a part of were either nominated, won or just there, participating as always.

Head creative of the night was undoubtedly Martin Green, Events Manager of … The London Olympics! He gave the keynote speech and showed us a behind-the-scenes film of the creative processes involved. He’s the one you need to thank for putting the team together that included Danny Boyle. “… he built and inspired the team that delivered the welcome and victory ceremonies, the torch relays and the opening and closing ceremonies … received universal critical acclaim” as it says on the programme. Hugely inspiring.

Among the winners, the lovely Emma Dewhurst’s Wow magazine in the Media category and Bill Lewis in Literature. Highly commended in Literature were ME4 Writers – there will be more about those three on the Rochester LitFest website in due course. Another organisation I’m so pleased for is Full Frontal, who won the Open Space and Public Realm award, plus the overall Special Achievement Award. A very special well done to the awesome Fern Alder, the driving force behind that particular community project.

Biggest cheer of the night – and an invasion of the stage – followed the announcement that coFWD were winners of an award for Contribution to Urban Regeneration, especially since many of those in the room have some kind of connection with this awesome space. Thrilled doesn’t even come close – it’s fantastic recognition for everything that’s been achieved there so far. There’s more to be done though and you’re all invited to come along and get involved 🙂

There will soon be a write up with a list of winners on Going on in Medway but for now, here’s a gallery of pictures for you. (I’ve added the names so you won’t be left doing the whole “Oh, that’s um thingy, oh you know” thing!)

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

A wonderful time had by all – it’s fair to say the King’s Head  was expecting to close a lot earlier than they did that night! #dirtystopouts