Amanda Dwyer Honoured with Sir Billy Connolly Award
Amanda Dwyer has been awarded this year's Sir Billy Connolly "Spirit of Glasgow" award at the Glasgow International Comedy Festival.
As she accepted the prize, Dwyer received a special video message from Sir Billy Connolly himself. The award consists of a glass trophy engraved with the Big Yin's self-portrait.
Amanda Dwyer said: "This is genuinely a pure honour. It means the world to me. My entire family are Billy Connolly fans."
Award Presentation and Background
The announcement was made during the festival's closing gala held at the King's Theatre in Glasgow.
Sir Billy Connolly addressed attendees from his home in Florida through a video message, which was played to reveal Dwyer as the recipient of the award.
He said: "Hello everybody, I hope you're enjoying the gala. Comedy's come a long way when they give you galas. Galas were for Bearsden people."
The award, established in 2023, recognises an individual who best embodies the "spirit of Glasgow."
Dwyer’s award was presented by comedian Rosco McClelland, who won the accolade the previous year.
Past recipients include Susie McCabe in 2024 and the late Janey Godley in 2023.
Festival Director's Remarks
Krista MacDonald, Festival Director, extended congratulations to Dwyer as the fourth winner of the award.
She stated: "We send our warmest congratulations to Amanda as the fourth ever winner of the award.
Amanda now joins Janey, Susie and Rosco in this prestigious list of winners who represent our city in the very best, and funniest, way they can."
