In a year when the world's eyes will be fixed on Latin America, Europe's biggest celebration of Latin culture is back to kick off the party.

The LUKAS is a unique event, in which greatest achievers in Latin music, dance, football, food, arts, community and business - from unsung heroes of the community to global football stars, artists and celebrities - come together to party, perform and receive the recognition they deserve.After a spectacular 2nd year that saw ballet star Tamara Rojo, fashion queen Vivienne Westwood, and Pink Floyd's David Gilmour join our presenters, TV stars Boris Izaguirre and Yanet Fuentes, in congratulating the award winners, the LUKAS gala ceremony has grown into an international event.

The LUKAS 2013 made TV news in the UK and all over Spain and  Latin America, was covered by 90 media outlets, 6,000 websites reaching over 10 million people.

"It was a great honour for me to be recognised by the Latino community in the UK," said producer Phil Manzanera, winner of the 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award.
 
"I feel very honoured to have received this award from my fans in the UK and back home. It will have a special place in my home " said Antonio Valencia, Manchester United player and winner of the LUKAS 2013 Sports personality of the Year

The LUKAS also transported previously unknown artists onto international TV screens, giving many of the winners a global media platform.

"We noticed a huge spike in our web traffic whilst the LUKAS voting was taking place. We received new visitors from all over the world. The LUKAS gave us a global platform for our music. That's priceless," said Salseology, Tropical Act of the Year.

The LUKAS 2014 gala ceremony, to be held at London's legendary KOKO on 30th April, will be broadcast on major Latin American TV stations. At least 2 major international Latin music acts will perform on stage, and some very special guests will be joining us.

Already confirmed to win one of our three Lifetime Achievement Awards is legendary Osvaldo Ardiles, one of the first foreign footballers to play in the Premier league and Tottenham Hotspurs legend. "I was delighted when I was told I would receive this award. I feel honoured and excited to be part of this much-talked-about event," said the London football legend, who will be presented the award by a very special personality of Premier football.

Returning to be our host is Venezuelan born Spanish TV star, Boris Izaguirre "I am delighted to be part of such a wonderful ceremony that recognises the talents of Latin Americans and their contribution to global culture."

In a short space of time, the LUKAS has drawn the attention of a global audience, as well as major global artists:" The LUKAS  are doing a great job celebrating and rewarding the talent and efforts of our cultures" in the UK and Europe," says JUANES, multi Grammy award winner and currently the world's most popular all-Spanish speaking artist.
 

"The LUKAS is an excellent initiative. In the United States they've been recognising the quality and popularity of Latin and Spanish music for years. With so many Latinos in Europe, and the popularity of the culture here, it is natural that we should have our own awards on this side of the Atlantic," said David Bisbal, Spain's most successful pop artist of the last decade
 
Help put talent you know on the global stage or give a favourite restaurant or institution the recognition it deserves by nominating a candidate for the LUKAS 2014 here.
 
Join us for this fantastic celebration of Britain's growing love for things Latino, in this special Brazilian World Cup year!