Enjoy a glitzy night in with the Culture and Creativity Awards #DressItUp Competition 

We may be missing the glitz and glamour of a big night out but the Liverpool City Region Cultural and Creativity Awards #DressItUp Competition gives you the chance to enjoy the magic of the red carpet from your own living room.

Up and coming fashionistas and imaginative amateurs are invited to create a spectacular outfit, head-dress or accessory for the glittering Liverpool City Region Culture and Creativity digital awards event in February, for a chance to win a special prize.

People across the Liverpool City Region have continued to find new and innovative ways of being creative throughout the pandemic, and this year’s ceremony, which is being held online, will honour those who have supported the cultural sector in 2020.

As part of this celebration, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is launching the #DressItUp competition, which opens today, offering the chance to showcase the City Region’s most creative costumery.

The competition is open to both professionals and amateurs (there will be one winner from each category) and will be judged by Mary Lamb, former BBC Costumier and Head of Liverpool based Costume and Fashion production space fabricationstudios.

Entry is via the Liverpool City Region’s Instagram account here from where Mary will also be offering hints and tips.

Mary Lamb said:

“Your entry can either be a glamorous gown, an incredible outfit, an amazing head dress or piece wearable art. Don’t hold back with the drama! You can showcase an amazing occasion piece you have made before, or be inspired by the freedom of the brief to make something totally original.

“We want to encourage everyone to take part, to have fun, express your creativity, and enjoy dressing up! – Any age, all abilities – on your own, with your family or anyone in your bubble – professionals, students and amateurs.

“It doesn’t have to be sewn or made with bought fabric;  your outfit can be glued, taped or stapled together and you can use everyday items around your house; newspaper, plastic bags, cardboard –  anything goes!

“Over Lockdown it is the perfect project to get involved in while you are indoors as well as wowing everyone online at the Culture and Creativity Awards and maybe win a prize! – It’s very exciting to be involved and can’t wait to see the entries!”

There will be two winners in the competition, one amateur and one professional. Professionals are classed as people who are professionally employed in fashion, costume or design and Amateurs are everyone else.

Each winner will each take away a spectacular prize provided by the sponsors of the Culture and Creativity Awards of:

• A Studio Room for Bed and Breakfast at the soon to open INNSiDE by Melia Liverpool Hotel
• Cocktails in the Sky Lounge at the INNSiDE by Melia Liverpool Hotel.
• Dinner for 2 at Luban Restaurant with a bottle of Drappier Champagne
• 2 x tickets to a Liverpool City Region located theatre for a show of your choice
• Chance to exhibit your winning creation in the soon to open INNSiDE by Melia Liverpool

The Liverpool City Region Culture and Creativity Awards take place on Friday 19^th February 2021. Out of more than 700 initial nominations, 45 finalists have been shortlisted for the event’s categories by a panel of judges across Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral.

The competition closes on 12^th February 2021. More details and how to enter can be found on the website here.