FUN FACT: We met Pamela Ballantine the other night and she was super lovely! Also, Ulster Tatler is an institution so why not have a wee vote 😉

POPULAR TV and radio personality Pamela Ballantine is asking the Northern Ireland public to cast their votes for their favourite people and businesses for this year’s Ulster Tatler Awards.

The prestigious awards ceremony, now in its ninth year, was created by the long-running magazine to celebrate those who have been featuring in its pages for 50 years.

The gala event, in association with Optilase Eye Clinic, will take place at Belfast City Hall on Thursday September 15 with key awards including Celebrity of the Year and Sports Person of the Year and the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award which has recognised some of Ulster’s best loved personalities over the years such as Dame Mary Peters OBE, Brian Friel, Sir James Galway, Gloria Hunniford, Phil Coulter, Terri Hooley, Barry McGuigan and Michael Longley.

The full list of categories can be found at www.ulstertatler.com and members of the public are invited to vote for their favourite on the website or by filling in the voting form in the Ulster Tatler magazine. All those who vote will be in with a chance of winning a selection of great prizes.

Votes must be received or registered by midnight on, Saturday July 2, 2016.

Ulster Tatler editor Chris Sherry said: “We are excited to launch the ninth Ulster Tatler Awards in association with Optilase Eye Clinic. As we celebrate our 50th birthday this year, we couldn’t be prouder of how our annual awards have become such an anticipated event in the social calendar of Northern Ireland.

“We are delighted to confirm that our good friend Pamela Ballantine will return as host this year to add a touch of glitz to proceedings, and we cannot wait to recognise the great talent and personalities that Northern Ireland has produced, culminating of course with our ‘Lifetime Achievement’ winner which is always a special moment on awards night,” he added.

Speaking of hosting the awards, popular TV personality Pamela Ballantine said: “I am thrilled to be back for a second year as host of the Ulster Tatler Awards. Last year was so much fun and celebrating our local talent makes it an evening to remember.

“I urge everyone out there to register their votes online or in the magazine to ensure that their favourites are recognised on the night,” concluded Pamela.

Tracy Gilligan, CEO of Optilase said: “This will be our third year as Title Sponsor of the Ulster Tatler Awards. We are so proud to be part of such a high calibre awards ceremony that recognises the hard working, successful businesses and personalities that exist in Northern Ireland.”

Chris Caldwell

Author: Chris Caldwell

Chris Caldwell at your service! My favourite things are eating and Theatre, I have 2 small sons called Alex and Max who are more mustard than Hellmann's. I spend my days trying to wrangle them and exploring my favourite city - BELFAST! My favourite films are horror, my fav music is metal and my favourite Beatle is Ringo, mainly his work on Thomas the Tank.