Shoppers and supporters are turning out as the Rainbow Toffees Awards return, celebrating Liverpool’s grassroots kindness; the popular ceremony has moved to BOXPARK Liverpool on August 28 to cope with growing crowds and keep the night welcoming and affordable.

Essential Takeaways

  • New venue: The Rainbow Toffees Awards will take place at BOXPARK Liverpool in the Baltic Triangle on Friday 28 August.
  • Host and entertainment: TV personality and trans activist India Willoughby returns as host, with Katie Bell performing a Cilla Black tribute.
  • Community-first ethos: Winners are told in advance and the event is kept affordable so recognition isn’t about profit.
  • Charity focus: A raffle will raise funds for the Mental Health Days Out Initiative, supporting social wellbeing.
  • Local impact: Winners include neighbourhood fixtures such as The Queens Arms, celebrated for welcoming all walks of life.

Why the move to BOXPARK Liverpool matters now

The headline fact is simple: the awards have outgrown their previous home at Liverpool Central Library and needed a bigger, more flexible space. You can almost feel the buzz , organisers say the community support has ballooned, so BOXPARK’s larger, lively setting suits the night’s inclusive energy. This isn’t just about capacity; it’s about keeping the atmosphere warm and accessible, with a venue that feels modern, social and easy to get to from the Baltic Triangle.

What makes the Rainbow Toffees Awards different

Unlike many prize nights where winners only find out on the night, Rainbow Toffees tells recipients ahead of time. That choice frames the awards as celebration rather than spectacle, and the organisers are clear: this was never meant to be a money-spinner. That ethos , recognises kindness without charging extortionate prices , has helped the ceremony gain traction across Liverpool’s LGBTQ+ scene and beyond, making it a feel-good fixture on the calendar.

Who’s fronting the night and why that’s significant

India Willoughby returns as host, bringing both profile and lived experience to the stage, while Katie Bell’s Cilla Black tribute adds a local, nostalgic flavour. Celebrity and community talent together signal that these awards bridge public attention and grassroots work. For attendees, that mix means an evening that’s both entertaining and meaningful , you’ll laugh, you’ll clap, and you’ll likely leave feeling quietly proud of the neighbourhoods represented.

Winners, community stories and a pub that sums it up

The Queens Arms , a friendly local on Admiral Street , is among this year’s winners, and their reaction says a lot. Owners spoke about being “overwhelmed” and praised regulars who make the space inclusive and unfussy. Stories like that illustrate why these awards resonate: they spotlight small, everyday acts of kindness that knit communities together, from pubs to grassroots groups supported by Everton FC’s LGBTQ+ supporters’ Rainbow Toffees.

Practical bits: tickets, fundraising and what to expect on the night

Tickets are on sale now and organisers plan a charity raffle to support Mental Health Days Out, helping people connect and take part in social activities. If you’re going, expect an easygoing programme: speeches that celebrate real people, accessible pricing, and entertainment that honours Liverpool’s cultural touchstones. If you can, book early , the move to BOXPARK is designed to welcome more people, but popular community gigs still sell fast.

It's a small change that can make every celebration feel more inclusive.

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