An East Hampshire events firm which encourages people to paint at weddings is in the frame for a national award.

Make Your Mark Events will compete in the National Final of The Wedding Industry Awards 2025 in London next Wednesday (January 22).

The firm based in Blackmoor reached the national showpiece after triumphing in the “Special Touch” category at the South Central regional heat near Reading.

Make Your Mark Events (MYME) offers award-winning interactive, live painting entertainment at weddings, celebrations and team events.

“I’ve brought something new to the market but it was originally something I wasn’t sure it would work,” said owner and lead artist, Emma Read.

“So to now have the validation and from this regional award and over 100 happy couples makes me certain my type of art has a place in the wedding market.”

The MYME experience brings everyone together to make their mark on a collaborative painting, working alongside a professional artist to create a unique piece with soul.

Some 27,300 votes for 1,500 entrants have been cast around the UK over the 12 months in the competition with voter scores, feedback and opinions from expert judges also being thrown into the mix.

“The Wedding Industry Awards is the most rigorous, respected and coveted awards in the UK wedding industry so the regional winners really are at the top of their game,” said competition founder, Damian Bailey.

You can find details of the Regional Winners and Highly Commended finalists here: https://www.the-wedding-industry-awards.co.uk/