A new awards programme has been launched this week to recognise the outstanding achievements of the young people in Bedfordshire and the organisations that support them.
The YouthTV Aspire Awards 2026 were launched yesterday (Monday) and nominations are now officially open.
Categories include Young Leader, Community Impact, Sports Champion, Young Creative and Environmental Champion, and a full list of categories can be found on the YouthTV website.
The Bedford Independent is among several local organisations that have already joined the initiative as sponsors, alongside the Harpur Centre, PDM Motor Spares, HEART Academies Trust and Bedford College.
“We are thrilled to be sponsoring the Sports Champion category of the inaugural Aspire Awards,” said Julia Course, commercial director of Progress Publishing, the publisher of the Bedford Independent.
“It is a great opportunity to shine a spotlight on the young people who are making a difference in Bedfordshire, and we look forward to celebrating at the ceremony in June.”
Passion, resilience, talent
The awards have been created to recognise the outstanding achievements, creativity, leadership, resilience and community impact of young people aged up to 25, as well as the schools, youth groups, charities, and organisations that support them.
From young leaders and creatives to volunteers, athletes, educators, entrepreneurs and changemakers, the awards shine a spotlight on remarkable individuals whose stories deserve to be heard.
Launching the awards, Urban Judge FRSA, group CEO of YouthTV Group CIC, said that the new initiative reflects the heart of the organisation’s mission.
“Young people are at the centre of everything YouthTV does, and the Aspire Awards are designed to honour their passion, resilience and talent,” he said.
“Across Bedfordshire and beyond, young people are leading change, lifting their communities and inspiring others every single day.
“These awards give us the opportunity to celebrate them, as well as the incredible organisations that support their journeys. I encourage everyone to nominate someone who deserves recognition. Their story could inspire the next generation.”
Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce has been named as the official headline sponsor of the inaugural awards event, and Urban said that their support reflects a shared commitment to celebrating ambition and empowering future generations.
Speaking about the partnership, Justin Richardson, chief executive at Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Chamber is proud to support an event that shines a light on the achievements of young people and inspires future ambition.
“It is a real privilege for the Chamber to be headline sponsor of the inaugural YouthTV Aspire Awards 2026. This is a wonderful new celebration of the energy, talent and determination of young people in our community. Their passion and contribution deserve to be recognised.”
Nominate now
Nominations are now open, and YouthTV is encouraging schools, families, youth workers, charities, community groups, local businesses and young people themselves to get involved and submit entries.
Anyone can make a nomination, and individuals or groups can be entered into multiple categories, but they can only be nominated once within any single category.
Nominations opened yesterday (Monday, 6 April) and close on Sunday, 10 May 2026 at 23:59.
More information, including full details of categories, eligibility and the awards timeline, can be found at YouthTV’s website here.
Nominations can be submitted directly here.
