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| Rebbecca Hemmings |
“Right, our scripts are in place. The technicians are good to go. Hair, make-up and boobs are all where they should be. Okay, it’s time to greet our guests!”
That is how the start of the 2012 Brit Writer’s Awards began for me.
Shortly after Sinead Gillespie, Saima Mir (my wonderful and talented co-hosts) and I, took to the reception area, greeted the guests with huge smiles on our faces and welcomed them to the fabulous Thistle Hotel – Marble Arch, London. It was such a pleasure to see the finalists walk in with what looked like nervous hope, puffed out chests and gratitude for being nominated in such a high-profile event.
The ceremony kicked off to an explosive start with a crew of fierce street dancers executing their passionate choreographed moves to the unsuspecting crowd. On finishing, they led the anticipating guests from the reception room into the awards and dining area.
Throughout the night Sinead and I introduced award presenters (and supporters of BWA) to the stage, handed them the golden envelopes which held the winner’s names as well as the illustrious award. In between the award presentations, Saima Mir (BBC journalist) interviewed guests on the floor. One of which included a very interesting lady who has written all about her former relationship with the infamous Gary Glitter! There were many other distinguished guests and faces that the general public might recognise but I will leave it for you to point them when you see the official pictures on the Brit Writers’ website.
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Yes, the night was full of surprise guests and revelations including the soon to be launched Brazilian and Arab Writer’s Awards. How exciting! The awards are going international! What an achievement!
Can you believe this award ceremony and organisation: BWA (which if you were not aware, assists with making unknown unpublished writers into recognised published authors) is the brainchild of one man? The Brit Writers and all its services which include; publishing, The Word Academy (creative writing for young people), the awards ceremony and more, were all founded by Imran Akram. If you did not know who he was on the night, he may have been difficult to spot initially as he walked with such humility and grace that he could have been mistaken for one of the guests. However, Sinead later introduced him onto the stage where he thanked the numerous supporters of BWA and also presented the award for ‘Unpublished Writer of the Year’.
It was such an honour to be part of the evening. I thoroughly enjoyed receiving the awards vicariously through the winners. I felt their elation and pride as each one sauntered back to their family and friends with the physical confirmation of that they are recognised, worthy winners. As was everyone in that room that night in one shape or form.
The evening was living proof that by having faith in your ability to write , entertain and inform an audience and linking with the right organisation – in this case: Brit Writers, you can truly fulfil what may once have just been a remote dream.
If I had a glass of champagne (of the non-alcoholic kind as I am 5 months with child), I would raise my glass and ask you all to virtually toast with me: To Imran Akram, his team (including myself of course), The Brit Writer’s Awards and the future!
by Rebbecca Hemmings
Brit Writers' Interview
Pictures courtesy of RKL Photography
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