Top comedian Justin Lee Collins reckons his home city of Bristol should have a similar awards bash to the 7Up Belfast Go Awards.

Justin, co-host of the Sunday Night Project on Channel 4 with fellow funnyman Alan Carr, was in Belfast to host the glittering bash at the Europa Hotel.

"This is a fantastic idea. When I get back to Bristol I'm going to suggest they do something like this.

"It's the first time I've been in Northern Ireland and I love it. The architecture and culture in Belfast is superb and the people are so lovely," he said.

Among the other celebrities to walk up the red carpet were former Miss Northern Ireland and ex Blue Peter presenter Zoe Salmon, Hollyoaks actress Loui Batley, Harper’s Island actress Elaine Cassidy and her husband, former Eastender’s star Stephen Lord, local actors Brian Milligan and Martin McCann, former Miss World Rosanna Davison, former Miss Ireland Amanda Brunker, Big Brother 10 contestant Noirin Kelly and model Alex Best.

Autograph hunters gathered outside the hotel, hoping for a glimpse of the stars as they arrived amidst a flurry of paparazzi flashes.

This year’s sell-out event was the biggest and most spectacular to date and included an exclusive performance by last year’s X Factor contestant Laura White who sang her new single ‘You Should Have Known’.

In Video: Gary Grattan interviews comedian Justin Lee Collins

In Video: Gary Grattan interviews X-Factor singer Laura White

The Mourne Seafood Bar was the big winner of the night taking home the coveted ‘Golden Gong,’ sponsored by Britvic Northern Ireland, as well as the award for ‘Restaurant of the Year’, sponsored by Value Cabs.

The Gong for ‘Media Personality of the Year,’ sponsored by Victoria Square, was awarded to Cool FM DJ Pete Snodden, last year’s runner up, who beat stiff competition in this category from his Cool FM colleague Gareth Stewart, BBC Radio Ulster presenter Alan Simpson, former footballer and sports commentator Gerry Armstrong and The One Show presenter Christine Bleakley.

Northern Ireland golfer Rory McIlroy was named ‘Sports Star of the Year’, sponsored by House of Fraser. Unfortunately Rory was unable to attend the Awards as he was playing at the Hong Kong Open and Gerry Armstrong graciously stepped in to pick up the Award on his behalf.

Other winners at Belfast’s most glamorous and prestigious awards included:

Festival / Event of the Year – Tall Ships

Hotel of the Year –The Merchant Hotel

Fashion Retailer of the Year – Cruise

Pub of the Year – Muriel’s

Live Music Venue of the Year – Spring & Airbrake

Visitor Attraction of the Year –Victoria Square

Café of the Year – Sugarcane Coffee Company

Club of the Year – Rain

Newcomer of the Year – Coco

ggrattan@belfasttelegraph.co.uk