Nominations are now open for the Bedford Independent Everyday Heroes Awards 2024, in partnership with the Harpur Trust, celebrating the individuals and groups that make Bedford Borough a better place to live, work, and play.
One of this year’s key categories is Pride in Bedford Borough, sponsored by Bedford Radio, recognising those who go above and beyond to make the Borough a place to be proud of.
The 2024 awards ceremony, hosted by Bedford School, will take place on Thursday, 25 April at The Quarry Theatre.
Nominate here – all nominations must be received by midnight on 16 March 2025.
Who deserves this award?
The Pride in Bedford Borough Award is a new award that honours individuals, organisations, or initiatives that highlight the very best of Bedford Borough.
This award is about championing those who celebrate Bedford Borough – whether through arts, music, sport, local businesses, environmental initiatives, or social projects.
Whether it’s through events, campaigns, community projects, or creative initiatives, we want to recognise those who inspire civic pride and bring people together.
Last year’s winners of a similar category, Bedford Creative Arts, set an excellent example. They were awarded the former Raising the Profile of the Town (Team) Award for their work in securing funding, hosting creative workshops, and fostering collaborations that have enriched Bedford’s cultural landscape.
Martin Steers, founder of Bedford Radio, explained why they are sponsoring the award: “So many amazing things happen in Bedford—community groups and charities, events, arts, music, and culture.
As a Borough, I believe we punch above our weight because of the passion and pride of our community. Bedford Radio is proud to be Bedford’s local radio station, and that’s why we’re sponsoring the Pride in Bedford Borough award.”
The award sits alongside the Raising the Profile of Bedford Borough award, which is similar but for those who put Bedford Borough on the map, proving to people in other parts of the UK and beyond that Bedford Borough punches above its weight.
You can read more about this and the other categories below or here.
The Everyday Heroes Awards
Now in its fifth year, the Bedford Independent Everyday Heroes Awards, run in partnership with The Harpur Trust, celebrate the unsung champions of Bedford Borough.
The 2024 awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, 1 May, at The Quarry Theatre, with Bedford School as the host sponsor.
Nominate here – all nominations must be received by midnight on 16 March 2025.
This year’s categories include:
- Young Carer of the Year (Heart Academies Trust): Recognising young carers under 18 for their dedication. (2023 winner: Andreea Balan)
- Volunteer of the Year (Harpur Trust): Celebrating those who give their time selflessly. (2023 winner: Akaal Seva)
- Excellence in Education (Bedford School): Honouring teachers, coaches, and educators who inspire and uplift young minds. (2023 winner: Faye McKinney)
- Raising the Profile of Bedford Borough (The Quarry Theatre): For individuals or teams who put Bedford on the map. (New award)
- Pride in Bedford Borough (Bedford Radio): Recognising those who make Bedford a better place to live, work, and play. (New award)
- Young Achiever (up to age 13) – (Maths Circle/Times Tables Rock Stars): For an individual aged 13 or under who has achieved over and above the expected. (2023 winner: Lola Bracey)
- Young Achiever (14-21) (Bedford Heights): Celebrating young people making a significant impact. (2023 winner: Charlie Faulkner)
- Youth Voice (Bedford Giving): A brand-new award recognising young people or organisations advocating for under-18s.
- Fundraiser of the Year (Individual & Team) (Woodfines Solicitors & White Hart Press): Rewarding those who have raised funds for a good cause. (2023 winners: Liz Simmonds & David Donnelly’s team)
- Unsung Hero (Brewpoint): For those making a quiet but significant impact. (2023 winner: Christian Coley)
How to nominate an Everyday Hero
If you know someone making a difference in Bedford Borough and instilling a sense of civic pride, nominate them for the Pride in Bedford Borough Award.
To submit a nomination, fill in the form at the end of this article or head to the Bedford Independent Everyday Heroes 2024 Nomination Form.
Let’s celebrate the people and organisations that make Bedford shine.
