The Calies 2018 awards event, which took place tonight (28 November) at London’s Stationers’ Hall, was definitely worthy of an entry ‘in the diary’ as calendar and diary publishers of all shapes and sizes were duly feted in the UK’s only dedicated awards for calendars, diaries and Advents.
Among the delighted winners of what are the second ever Calies awards are Alison Gardiner Designs, Allan & Bertram, Brown Trout Publishers, Carousel Calendars, Danilo, English Graphics, Pomegranate Europe, Pyramid International and Rose Calendars.
The Calies, which launched last year superceding the National Calendar Awards, are organised by Max Publishing, with the support from the calendar and diary sector. The award categories recognise and reward excellence right across the spectrum – from retail calendar titles to B2B bespoke creations; diaries to Advents.
“The Calies not only celebrate the excellence and innovation that exude on the product front, but also serve to champion the product area to retailers of all shapes and sizes as well as corporate clients on the B2B front,” stated Warren Lomax, joint md of Max Publishing in his welcome speech.
The award ceremony was hosted by comedian Henry Paker with David Pike, group director of Calendar Club and Carousel Calendars as well as BrownTrout’s managing director, Jack Straw sharing their respective insights on the market in two pithy pre-awards talks.
Jack Straw was surprised and delighted to be welcomed back to the stage in the emotional finale of the awards when he was presented with the prestigious Calendar Ambassador Award 2018.
The Calies were judged by a panel comprising retail buyers, and production experts.
And here are the winners…
Best Animal Kingdom Calendar – BBC Blue Planet II from Danilo
Best Corporate (B2B) Animals or Natural World Calendar – Deep Blue from Rose Calendars
Best Transport Calendar – England By Rail from Pomegranate Europe
Best Scenic Calendar – New York from Carousel Calendars
Best B2B Scenic Calendar – View from Allan & Bertram
Best Art, Illustration or Design Calendar – Natural History from Brown Trout Publishers
Best B2B Contemporary Calendar – Ethos from Rose Calendars
Best Charity Calendar – RSPB Ailsa Black Naturally Organised Family Calendar from Carousel Calendars
Best B2BSpecial Interest or Humorous Calendar – Vintage Power from Allan & Bertram
Best Music, Talent or Sports Calendar – David Bowie Collectors Edition from Danilo
Best B2B Bespoke Calendar – Electric Rock Rodney Matthews by Rose Calendars
Best Entertainment or Humorous Calendar – Star Wars Deluxe Calendar from Danilo
Best Family Organiser or Planner – The Organised Family Week To View from Carousel Calendars
Best Advent Calendar – Moonlight Silhouette from Alison Gardiner Designs
Best Generic Diary – Inkwell + Feather from English Graphics
Best Licensed Diary – Winnie the Pooh from Pyramid International
Best Desk Calendar – Rick and Morty Magic Cube from Danilo
The Calendar Ambassador Award 2018 – Jack Straw