Vegas and Oldham combine for business awards bash

Vegas is set to meet Oldham when the borough’s business awards culminate in a glittering awards ceremony next month.

That’s because Johnny Vegas, the larger-than-life comedian, actor, writer and director is to feature as the main act at the Oldham Business Awards (OBA) gala night at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on Friday, September 13.

Renowned for his comedic rants, surrealism, high husky voice and support of St Helens rugby league club, Johnny has recently moved into dramatic acting and directing, while his much-anticipated memoir, ‘Becoming Johnny Vegas’, hits the book shops on September 26.

He has more than 30 TV series to his name across the BBC, ITV, Sky and Channel 4 along with countless radio, film, writing and directing credits.

He’s won 10 comedy awards and has been nominated for a Perrier Award and a Golden Rose of Montreux, two of the most prestigious accolades in the entertainment industry.

In the last 12 months, Johnny’s directed two dramas for BBC1’s Moving On series, the video for Billy Bragg’s Handyman Blues single and a new Sky One drama called Ragged featuring Ricky Tomlinson and Stephen Walters. He’s also appeared in Moone Boy on Sky One and Mr Stink on the BBC.

OBA Chair David Wadsworth, founder and MD of Cornerstone Design and Marketing based in Lees, said: “It’s a huge coup for us to secure the services of such an accomplished, and very funny, entertainer in Johnny Vegas.

“The thing with Johnny is that you never know what to expect - I’m sure he’s going to stamp his inimitable style on proceedings for what promises to be a very entertaining and memorable night indeed.”

More than 30 businesses and individuals are shortlisted for the 11 awards, and the ceremony will climax in the unveiling of the Special Recognition Award winner chosen by the OBA Steering Group.

Johnny will be entertaining the 600 guests at the event and handing the winners their awards, ably assisted by OBA stalwart Caroline Whitmore, ITV Granada Reports’ entertainment correspondent.

This year’s awards is the first under the stewardship of Mr Wadsworth, who took over the reins when former Chair Steve Kilroy retired from the role last year.

As well as Johnny Vegas, another addition to the line-up will help the night go with a swing - literally.

Live music will be provided by The Not Quite Big Band (NQBB), a 15-piece professional big band making a big name for themselves by blending swing and modern numbers.

Their repertoire ranges from classics by Sinatra and Bublé to popular floor fillers.

Various sections of the band will divide up to play in the foyer for guests as they arrive as well as at the champagne reception in the hall itself.

Members of the brass section will be providing background music during the meal before all 15 musicians come together for a full-on NQBB set as part of the post awards celebrations.

For tickets and more information about the finalists visit the Oldham Business Awards website, and you can also keep up-to-date with the latest OBA news on Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter, and LinkedIn.

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