CATEGORIES FOR 2026
YOUNG LEADER
SPONSORED BY - BEDFORDSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Do you know a young person who inspires and motivates others to achieve their best?
This award recognises young individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, vision, and the ability to bring people together. These leaders show maturity beyond their years, challenge norms, and create meaningful change in their communities, schools, or youth groups. Their influence is felt through their actions, resilience, and ability to inspire.
If you know someone who has truly stepped up and led others with purpose, we want to hear their story.
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​Who Can Apply: Individuals aged up to 25.
YOUNG CREATIVE
Do you know someone whose creativity brings fresh ideas to life?
This award celebrates creative young people whose imagination pushes boundaries in art, music, media, design, or digital content. Their unique ideas spark conversations, shift perspectives, and inspire others. They show originality and a bold approach to storytelling and expression.
Nominate someone whose creativity is impossible to ignore.
Who Can Apply: Individuals aged up to 25.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
SPONSORED BY - HARPUR CENTRE, BEDFORD
Do you know someone making a real difference in their community?
This award honours those who lead, volunteer, or deliver initiatives that support others and strengthen their community. From campaigning to organising support programmes, their actions create lasting positive change. Their dedication uplifts those around them.
Help us recognise someone whose work has transformed their community.
Who Can Apply: Individuals up to age of 25 or are linked to a youth project/organisation, groups of young people, and youth‑focused organisations.
RISING ENTREPRENEUR
SPONSORED BY - TALK UK TELECOM
Do you know a young person turning big ideas into real results?
This award spotlights young entrepreneurs building businesses, launching projects, or creating opportunities for others. They show determination, resilience, creativity, and a commitment to learning from challenges. Their vision inspires others to pursue their goals.
Nominate someone shaping the future through entrepreneurship.
Who Can Apply: Individuals aged up to 25 or youth‑led enterprises.
SPORTS CHAMPION
SPONSORED BY - BEDFORD INDEPENDENT - SPORT
Do you know an athlete or coach who gives their all in sport?
This award celebrates young people who demonstrate discipline, teamwork, and excellence in their sporting field. Whether achieving personal milestones or helping others succeed, they embody true sportsmanship. Their passion motivates those around them.
Nominate someone who truly represents sporting excellence.
Who Can Apply: Individuals aged up to 25 or youth sports groups.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHAMPION
SPONSORED BY - HEART ACADEMIES TRUST
Do you know a young person taking action to protect the planet?
This award recognises young environmental leaders working to educate, inspire, or drive sustainable change. Whether through campaigns, school projects, activism, or community efforts, they lead by example. Their work safeguards the environment for future generations.
Nominate someone whose actions are driving real environmental change.
Who Can Apply: Individuals aged up to 25, groups of young people, or youth organisations.
YOUNG VOLUNTEER
SPONSORED BY - BEDFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL
Do you know someone who gives their time selflessly to support others?
This category celebrates young people who commit to meaningful volunteering. Their acts of kindness and service enrich the lives of others and strengthen their communities. They show responsibility, compassion, and dedication.
Tell us about a young volunteer who goes the extra mile.
Who Can Apply: Individuals aged up to 25 or youth volunteer groups.
CULTURAL AMBASSADOR
SPONSORED BY - BEDFORD COLLEGE
Do you know someone helping others appreciate different cultures?
This award honours young people who promote cultural diversity, connection, and understanding. Their events, creative work, or advocacy bridge communities and celebrate shared humanity. They foster unity and respect.
Nominate someone who celebrates culture and brings people together.
Who Can Apply: Individuals aged up to 25 or groups of young people.
DIVERSITY, EQUALITY & INCLUSION (DE&I) CHAMPION
SPONSORED BY - BORN TO PERFORM
Do you know someone ensuring every young person feels valued, supported, and included — no matter their background or identity?
​This award celebrates individuals, groups, or organisations championing inclusion across all areas of diversity — including SEND, LGBTQ+ communities, race and ethnicity, gender identity, culture, religion, disability, and socioeconomic background. These nominees work to challenge barriers, promote equality, and create safe, welcoming environments where every young person can participate, learn, and thrive. Their passion helps build communities where differences are embraced and everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
Nominate someone who goes above and beyond to make inclusion a reality for all young people.
Who Can Apply: Individuals, youth groups, or youth‑supporting organisations.​​
YOUNG BAND
SPONSORED BY - PDM MOTOR SPARES
Do you know a young band whose music brings people together?
​This award recognises youth‑led bands showing creativity, teamwork, dedication, and musical talent. Their performances captivate audiences and showcase the power of collaboration.
Nominate a band that deserves to have their talent recognised.
Who Can Apply: Youth bands (majority aged up to 25).
YOUNG PERFORMER
SPONSORED BY - GREENWOOD DRONES
​​Do you know a young musician who captivates every time they perform?
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This award honours solo performers, instrumentalists, vocalists, or composers, whose talent and passion shine through. Their music moves audiences and demonstrates exceptional skill and artistry.
Nominate a performer whose talent deserves the spotlight.
Who Can Apply: Individuals aged up to 25.
YOUTH CHARITY
SPONSORED BY - THE HARPUR TRUST
Do you know a youth‑led charity creating meaningful change?
This award celebrates charities driven by or created for young people that deliver powerful social, environmental, or community impact. Their vision and dedication inspire others to get involved.
Nominate a youth charity making a real difference.
Who Can Apply: Youth‑led or youth‑focused chairties/non‑profits.
ASPIRING TEACHER
Do you know someone passionate about inspiring the next generation?
This award celebrates young people who are already making a difference in education: whether they are teachers, teaching assistants, tutors, mentors, youth leaders, coaches, peer educators, or those supporting learning in schools, clubs, or community settings. These nominees show a natural ability to teach, uplift others, and create positive learning environments. Their enthusiasm, patience, and dedication help young people grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
Nominate someone who is shaping the future of education through their passion, guidance, and commitment to helping others learn.
Who Can Apply: Individuals who are currently involved in education or learning support (including aspiring teachers, teaching assistants, tutors)
ASPIRING SCHOOL
SPONSORED BY - LIONSGATE CONSULTING
Do you know a school that goes above and beyond for young people?
This award highlights schools that create empowering, inclusive, and innovative environments where students thrive. Their commitment to wellbeing and growth sets them apart.
Nominate a school that truly puts young people first.
Who Can Apply: Schools, academies, or educational institutions.
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YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
SPONSORED BY - BEDFORD GIVING
Do you know someone or a group empowering young people to rise and lead?
This award honours individuals or organisations that amplify youth voice, leadership, and meaningful opportunities. They inspire confidence, skill-building, and real participation in decision‑making.
Nominate someone who is transforming youth empowerment into reality.
Who Can Apply: Individuals, youth groups, or youth‑supporting organisations.
CLUB OF THE YEAR
SPONSORED BY - BPHA
Do you know a club that creates a positive, supportive home for young people?
This award celebrates clubs that provide outstanding experiences, opportunities, and community spirit through their programmes and leadership. They help young people grow personally, socially, and emotionally.
Nominate a club whose energy and impact deserve recognition.
Who Can Apply: Youth clubs or sports/arts/community clubs serving young people.
