Royal Television Awards – Northwest Awards at Kimpton Clocktower
Photographing the Royal Television Awards at the Kimpton Clocktower in Manchester was a truly memorable experience, filled with glitz, glamour, and entertainment. As an event photographer, capturing the energy of an evening that brings together the best of British television is always a privilege, and this particular night exceeded all expectations.
The evening kicked off with a celebrity red carpet entrance outside the historic Kimpton Clocktower, which served as the perfect backdrop. The architectural grandeur of the venue, with its striking Victorian-era design, complemented the elegance of the attendees. Celebrities, nominees, and guests arrived dressed to impress, with the red carpet buzzing with excitement. As a photographer, this is always one of the most thrilling moments of the evening—capturing the smiles, poses, and candid interactions of the stars as they make their way into the event. The challenge is always to balance posed shots with authentic moments, ensuring that the glamour of the red carpet is reflected in every frame.
Once inside, the night was hosted by the ever-charismatic Gabby Roslin, who brought a lively energy to the proceedings. Gabby’s ability to keep the audience engaged and entertained throughout the night made her the perfect choice for the role. From heartfelt speeches to humorous banter with the nominees, her vibrant personality shone through. Photographing Gabby in action meant staying alert and capturing her dynamic expressions as she navigated the formalities with ease, keeping the audience entertained at every turn.
Music played a key role in setting the tone for the evening, and the duo of DJ Denise Van-Outen and the band Madhen did not disappoint. Denise Van-Outen took control of the decks for the evening, delivering an upbeat and lively soundtrack that kept the energy levels high as the night unfolded. Her mix of tunes created the perfect atmosphere for both the awards dinner and the after-party. Capturing the vibe that music adds to an event like this is essential, and the combination of Denise’s energetic DJ set with the crowd’s reactions made for some dynamic photo opportunities.
Madhen, the live band that provided the entrance music for the awards dinner, elevated the event further with their infectious energy. Their performance was the perfect way to set the tone for the formal dinner, and their lively beats had everyone tapping their feet before the awards ceremony even began. Photographing the band, particularly in low-light conditions, was a fun challenge. Ensuring that the vibrancy and movement of their performance were reflected in the shots required quick thinking and technical precision, but the result was worth it—capturing the excitement that live music brings to an event.
Throughout the night, the Kimpton Clocktower provided an incredible setting for all the festivities. Its grand interior spaces offered plenty of opportunities for capturing not only the event itself but also the atmosphere. The architectural details, combined with the stunning décor for the evening, made for a visually rich environment that was a joy to photograph. The venue, steeped in history, added a layer of sophistication to the event, complementing the glamour of the evening perfectly.
In conclusion, photographing the Royal Television Awards was an unforgettable experience. From the red carpet glamour to the entertainment provided by Gabby Roslin, Denise Van-Outen, and Madhen, the event was packed with excitement, and capturing every moment was both challenging and rewarding. Moments like these remind me why I love event photography—the energy, the personalities, and the opportunity to preserve the spirit of such a special evening.
