Our city's unsung heroes are being honoured once again with the very best of Birmingham entering the spotlight Sign up to our email newsletter for daily updates on what's happening in and around Birmingham We have more newsletters Famous faces descended to celebrate the very best of the city this evening. Pride of Birmingham 2023 kicked off with a red-carpet parade. The great and the good arrived to recognise heroic acts of people from all ages and walks of life. There was glitz and glamour as host Kym Marsh led a star-studded line-up from the worlds of showbiz and sport. Olympic champion Denise Lewis, Peaky Blinders actor Harry Kirton, and Good Morning Britain anchor Adil Ray were among them. The celebs braved the rain to pose in front of snapping cameras - and all of them praised the incredible spirit of normal folk going above and beyond. READ MORE: Pride of Birmingham host Kym Marsh opens up about motherhood and sharing the stage with daughter Emilie Our awards highlight locals who have made an outstanding contribution to the city. Troy Deeney spoke of his "honour" to be there and said the event was a must-attend. "We've got proper Birmingham weather but I'm looking forward to it," the Blues captain joked. "This year I've been asked to be on the judging panel which was great. It's all good fun. Anything I can do to help Birmingham I always try to do. " Pride of Birmingham 2023 in pictures as celebrities arrive on the red carpet View gallery He spoke of a "very difficult" judging process "because there were so many worth winners". The striker sent a message to all those with gongs: "Keep doing the great work. Just enjoy this moment for what it is. " Smethwick-born Strictly hero Richie Anderson said he was "so excited" to be at the event - and present an award. "To be in the room and celebrate so many inspirational people is amazing," he said. "I'm really excited to be here tonight. " Anderson told how he previously reported on Pride of Birmingham celebrations for BBC West Midlands. But he knew which side of the red carpet barrier he prefers. to be on. "I don't think I've worn a suit since Strictly so I'm really excited," he said. "I prefer being this side because I've got an umbrella!" Before presenting an award to Commonwealth Games volunteers, Olympic champion Denise Lewis said: "It’s my first time here and I can’t wait to meet all the recipients and hear all their stories. It’s such an important night for the West Midlands. “The Commonwealth volunteers were everything to the Games. They are the heartbeat of any championship so for them to be awarded tonight is such a big deal. ” And Adil Ray added: "I’m presenting the triumph over diversity award. It’s a real honour to be on stage with so many inspirational people. I brought some friends with me tonight and the first thing I told them was to bring some tissues with them. “It’s a very emotional night but you always come away with a lot of hope and a lot of positivity. These people show us that even in terrible times you can overcome them. That’s a lesson to all of us. ” READ MORE Host Kym Marsh on the Pride of Birmingham Awards Jasper Carrott on why the awards are so important A look back at the judging.