Guests travelled from across the United Kingdom, Canada and the Netherlands for the second annual awards celebrating leadership, creativity, community service and lasting impact.
Bradford Cathedral became a gathering place for celebration, recognition and international community spirit on Friday, 23 October 2026, as the second annual Men’s Porch Legacy Awards 2026 brought together distinguished guests, community leaders, creatives and changemakers from across the United Kingdom and overseas.
Organised by Men’s Porch CIC, the ceremony welcomed attendees who travelled from across the UK, as well as from Canada and the Netherlands, reflecting the growing international reach of the awards and the shared commitment to celebrating people who make a positive difference in society.
Under the message “Recognising Impact. Celebrating Legacy,” the event honoured individuals whose contributions span community leadership, music, sports, education, visual arts, media, humanitarian work, literature, cultural heritage and entrepreneurship.
The ceremony recognised 19 award winners, highlighting the breadth of talent, service and achievement represented across different communities and professional sectors.
Nineteen winners recognised for outstanding contributions
The 2026 award recipients were:
- Man of the Year: Tony Fernandez
- Woman of the Year: Bukola Udefiagbon
- Music Artist of the Year (Male): Val Praise
- Music Artist of the Year (Female): Kirsten Alting
- Community Leadership Award: Ian Brewer
- Sports Personality Award: Gareth Thompson
- Educational Leadership Award: Akeim Mundell
- Visual Arts Award: Immanuel Obani
- Outstanding Media & Social Influencer: Toyosi Olosunde
- Entertainer of the Year: Adebisi Adeoluwa (MC Crown)
- Music Group/Choir of the Year: Lifters Voices Choir
- Creative Arts & Performance Award: Daniel Obina Okezue
- Excellence in Film and Media: Asher Oliver and Luke Walwyn
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Nick Toczek
- Social Impact and Humanitarian Award: Carl Dovi
- Young Achiever Award: Isaac Odiase
- Excellence in Literature and Creative Writing: Ayomide Inufin
- Cultural Heritage Award: Luke Leyland
- Entrepreneur of the Year: Colin Jones
The awards demonstrated that meaningful impact takes many forms, from nurturing talent and strengthening communities to advancing education, creating art, supporting vulnerable people and building successful enterprises.
Distinguished guests add to the occasion
The event brought together distinguished figures from education, civic life and community leadership. Dignitaries identified by the organisers included Professor Gillian Murray, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bradford; Professor Udy Archibong, Pro-Chancellor of the University of Bradford; Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, former Lord Mayor of Leeds; and Hon. Toyosi Lala, President of the Nigerian Community Association Bradford.
Other distinguished guests identified by the organisers included Dr Olushola Adeborode Kolawole (OAK), Dr Pedi Obani, Dr Sohail Ahmed, Dr Sanfo Agyo and Pastor Tim Obeta.
Their inclusion reflected the awards’ commitment to bringing together people from different backgrounds and sectors to celebrate achievement, service and positive influence.
The vision behind Men’s Porch
Founded by Tope Dada, Men’s Porch CIC is a community-focused organisation dedicated to promoting men’s wellbeing, responsible leadership, healthy relationships, family life and community development.
Its wider vision is to encourage personal growth, strengthen families, promote positive role models and help build healthier, more resilient communities. The Legacy Awards extend this mission by recognising individuals whose work inspires others and contributes to positive change.
Speaking about the significance of the ceremony, Tope Dada, Founder and Director of Men’s Porch CIC, said:
“The Men’s Porch Legacy Awards are about recognising people whose contributions make a genuine difference. Legacy is not simply about what we achieve for ourselves; it is also about the lives we touch, the opportunities we create and the positive impact we leave behind.
“It was encouraging to see people come together from different parts of the UK and internationally, including Canada and the Netherlands, to celebrate excellence and recognise the contributions of others. This reflects the importance of building connections across communities and inspiring people to continue making a difference.”
More than an awards ceremony
Beyond the trophies and individual recognition, the event provided an opportunity for people from different countries, professions and communities to connect, celebrate shared achievements and strengthen relationships.
The international attendance highlighted how recognition can bring people together across geographical boundaries, while the range of award categories reflected the many ways individuals contribute to society.
The organisers expressed appreciation to Bradford Cathedral for hosting the ceremony and thanked the judging panel, partners, sponsors, volunteers, performers, nominees, award recipients and supporters whose contributions helped make the evening possible.
For Men’s Porch CIC, the awards represent an ongoing commitment to celebrating excellence, encouraging responsible leadership and ensuring that meaningful contributions receive the recognition they deserve.
As the organisation looks towards future editions, its message remains clear: legacy is built not only through personal achievement, but through service, positive influence and the difference people make in the lives of others.
Recognising Impact. Celebrating Legacy.
About Men’s Porch CIC
Men’s Porch CIC is a community-focused organisation working to promote men’s wellbeing, leadership, healthy relationships, family life and community development. Through its initiatives and events, the organisation seeks to encourage personal growth, strengthen families and support positive change.
For further information:
Men’s Porch CIC
Website: https://mensporch.org
Email: info@mensporch.org
Post a Comment