WINNERS were crowned at a spectacular event celebrating all the best Cumbria has to offer - from its extraordinary people to the wonderful hospitality venues attracting many to the area every year.

The Cumbria Life magazine Readers' Choice Awards took place at the stunning Low Wood Bay in Windermere on Thursday, September 5 with hundreds gathering to celebrate the county.

Finalists get ready to hear the winnersFinalists get ready to hear the winners (Image: NQ staff)

The event, organised by Newsquest Cumbria in association with H&H Insurance Brokers, was a great success, with many worthy shortlisted businesses and individuals in the room.

H&H said they were honoured to be the headline sponsor and have expressed their commitment to support the event for many years to come.

The team from the Carnegie delighted by their win.The team from the Carnegie delighted by their win. (Image: NQ staff)

Paul Graham, the managing director of H&H Insurance Brokers, said: "It was an honour for H&H Insurance Brokers to support an event which celebrates the fantastic people and businesses which make Cumbria such a special place to live and work.

Host Kate Walby on the stage at the awards.Host Kate Walby on the stage at the awards. (Image: NQ staff)

"The Cumbria Life Awards are a great way of recognising amazing organisations, businesses and individuals across the county, and it was inspiring to hear the amazing success stories which occur every day on our doorsteps."

Here are your Cumbria Life Readers' Choice Awards winners 2024:

Fundraising Feat of the Year sponsored by Furness Building Society            

  • Broughton Young Farmers

Best Café or Coffee Shop sponsored by Penningtons Tea and Coffee Ltd      

  • Force Walkers Cafe and Terrace

Best Pub or Bar sponsored by Lakes Speciality Food        

  • The Old Crown, Hesket Newmarket

Best Fine Dining Experience sponsored by Porsche Centre South Lakes 

  • Dog & Gun, Skelton

Artisan Producer of the Year sponsored by Cumbria Tourism      

  • Cumbrian Baker

Best Tourist Attraction sponsored by Herdwick Cottages              

  • Bassenthwaite Lake Station

Best Arts/Culture Venue sponsored by the University of Cumbria

  • Carnegie Theatre & Arts Centre             

Independent Retailer of the Year sponsored by Thomson Hayton Winkley

  • Northern Lights Gallery

Best Environmental Project sponsored by Spirit Energy   

  • Pure Lakes Skincare

Best Hair, Beauty Salon or Spa sponsored by LOCALiQ   

  • Colman and Colman, Kendal

Best Casual Dining Experience sponsored by Pioneer Foodservice

  • Lingholm Kitchen

A standing ovation was given by the crowd as the Cumbrian of the Year 2024 award sponsored by H&H Insurance Brokers was presented posthumously to Barrow-born Hairy Biker Dave Myers.

A video was played with those closest to the popular TV star who died earlier this year paying tribute to Dave.

A standing ovation from the audience as Dave Myers is awarded Cumbrian of the Year.A standing ovation from the audience as Dave Myers is awarded Cumbrian of the Year. (Image: NQ staff)

The award was collected on behalf of the Myers family by Dave’s lifelong friend Graham Twyford.

Newsquest Cumbria regional editor Joy Yates said: "The feedback from this year's Cumbria Life awards has been incredible.

The Northern Lights Gallery receive their award.The Northern Lights Gallery receive their award. (Image: NQ staff)

"A huge thank you to our partner sponsor H&H Insurance Brokers and all our category sponsors whose support helped us deliver an amazing night recognising and rewarding Cumbrian businesses and individuals."

A full look at all of this year's winners and pictures from the evening will be available in the October and November editions of the Cumbria Life magazine.

Winners were delighted to receive their accolades.Winners were delighted to receive their accolades. (Image: NQ staff)