Gef’s 30 Under 30 threw their 2024 Winners Party last night to celebrate our island’s shining stars of tomorrow. How best to highlight the incredible and inspiring work of a bunch of truly amazing young locals? Well, with LED Robot Men, fire dancing, and sacred ground. Naturally.

Hosted by Gef and Media Isle of Man’s very own Kim Graziano, Dion Jones, and Sam Jones (not married or related) the party returned to its old haunt, St Matthew’s Church on North Quay in Douglas. The campaign partners, judges, VIPs, and iconic 30 Under 30 winners were all brought together for a night of feel-good schmoozing, boozing, and celebrating.

Guests were welcomed by Gravity Live’s Mirror Men and Butterfly Stilt Walkers. Inside, ELS worked their magic to make the church look dazzling. The place glowed. And they weren’t the only local companies to help make the night as spectacular as it was. Guests were treated to a light show and a fire dancer, meanwhile, 14 North had guests’ mouths watering with delicious Manx morsels and Kiki Lounge whipped up some bespoke cocktails especially for the night.

Then it was onto the main event. The real stars of the show. The 30 Under 30 winners.

After a few words from Ambrose McCartney on behalf of the London Institute of Business & Technology, the Headline Partner for Gef’s 30 Under 30, Media Isle of Man’s totally charming Editor and Welshman Dion Jones, and Head of Brand & Creative and New Yorker Kim Graziano welcomed each winner and their category partner to the stage to rapturous applause for their much-deserved moment in the spotlight and to present them with their trophy. (Which, we’d like to add, were once again all made with sustainably sourced wood and recycled plastic). Let’s have a little reminder of this year’s spectacular winners.

Amy Kelly

Charlotte Scarffe

Aalin George

Natasha Johnson

Anna Clarke-Smith

Erin Duncan

Jay Wight

Kim Tastagh

Joe Reid

Catharine Devine

Mera Royle

Amy Price

Callum Davies

Jack Igglesden

Aiza Khan

Caitlin Trenholme

Sam Levi

Joseph Ricciardi

Ellen Wilson

Josh Sinclair

Dominic Wall

India Dick

Bayleigh Mitchell

Ruth Quillin-Creamer

Sarah Mercer

Emma Sayle

Katie Watson

Savannha Gunnell

Luke Wilson

Georgia Foxton

Glenn from Your Movie Crew - whom winners might remember from their fancy photoshoots - was the local paparazzi for the evening, filming the event and taking beautifully candid shots of everyone looking all cool and impressive.

The awards closed with a speech from Mrs Sarah Maltby MHK on behalf of the Department for Enterprise, the Event Partner for the evening, who said:

“I would like to extend my congratulations to each of you and express our pride in being part of this celebration of your achievements, and to be supporting this important initiative.

Each one of you is truly shaping the future of our businesses and community.

Tonight’s 30 finalists have shown extraordinary talent and dedication across their fields; from technology to finance, creative arts to sustainability, entrepreneurs and more, and have highlighted the incredible diversity of opportunities available to our Island’s young people.

In a world where change is the only constant, it is these young minds that dare to dream beyond the conventional, challenge the status quo, and pave the way for a better, more sustainable, and innovative tomorrow.

Each one of you have inspired peers, family members and colleagues through the nomination process, and then shone in front of a panel of esteemed judges. And your recognition reminds us of the incredible potential that lies within our community, and in our Island.

So tonight, we celebrate you. I have no doubt that you will all continue to shine in years to come, and continue to pave the way for a bright, secure, and promising future for the Isle of Man.”

The whole ordeal was fabulously fun, designed not only to celebrate the brilliant achievements of Gef’s 30 Under 30 2024 winners but to provide a relaxed opportunity to bring them and guests together under one roof to meet and mingle and see what magic comes from it.

It doesn’t end here though. Gef’s 30 Under 30 campaign is continuing ALL YEAR ROUND. Oh yes, my friend. Buckle in because there’s going to be mixers and shindigs all summer long, plus discussion-based events when the winter nights draw in. So, don’t be too downhearted about the end of our incredible Winner’s Party because we’re just getting started.