Prestonians doing great things in the city are to be recognised in the first ever Proud Preston Awards.
Nominations are now open for the awards, which Blog Preston is backing in conjunction with the Lancashire Post, Preston City Council and Central Radio.
A total of 14 categories are now open for nominations to be made – a great chance to celebrate the people and organisations who make the city a fantastic place.
Nominations are open until Thursday 22 January and it’s free to nominate people, groups, organisations and businesses doing great work in Preston.
A judging panel will then look through all the nominations to firm up a shortlist before the winners are announced at the awards will take place on Thursday 19 March 2026 at the Barton Manor Hotel and Spa.
Here’s all the categories and a bit more about them
Volunteer of the Year – This award is to recognise an individual who continually dedicates their time to help others completely free of charge. Whether they support charities or CICs, the local community or in a school. The judges want to understand the person behind all their good work, how much time they spend volunteering, the impact they have on the cause, community or organisation and a testimonial from those around them. Nominate now.
Carer of the Year – This award will be given to an individual or team who have shown commitment and perseverance in helping provide much needed care, having a positive effect on the lives of those in their care and standing out for how special and dedicated their care giving is. This could be an individual/ team who has cared for a friend or family member who has made personal sacrifices in order to tend to the needs of others. It may also be an outstanding care home worker or home help. Nominate now.
Arts & Culture Hero of the Year -This award recognises the outstanding artistic, creative and / or cultural contribution made by a local person or group in Preston. It may be a longstanding teacher or someone who thrives in helping others through the arts and culture, nominate someone you know that deserves this. Nominate now.
Charity Hero of the Year – This award recognises an individual or team who is an ambassador for charity working and a role model for the charity/charities. The nominee should have made an outstanding contribution to a charitable cause or organisation and demonstrate leadership, commitment, or fundraising excellence. Nominate now.
Inspirational Young Leader (16-24) – We are looking for a young person who is an inspiration to others. In up to 650 words, please explain in as much detail as possible why they should be recognised as Inspirational Young Leader of the Year. The nominee should demonstrate leadership, initiative, or positive influence within their peer group or community. No matter what they will be a credit to themselves and a role model for others around them. Nominate now.
Community Initiative of the Year -This award recognises groups, businesses, and individuals within Preston that are doing great work to support their community. It is open to everyone, from small grassroots organisations to UK-wide organisations with a local presence and celebrates any project that is making a meaningful impact on the communities in which it operates. Judges will be looking for an overview of the community initiative or project and what it has achieved, along with a clear understanding of the impact the activity has had on the community. They will also consider any plans the facilitating group has to continue the work or project in the future. Nominate now.
Business in the Community Award – For businesses in Preston that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to making a positive impact in their local communities, the judges are looking for clear examples of meaningful community engagement, support, or partnerships. They also want to see how employees have been involved in these activities, as well as evidence that the business has shown a sustained, long-term commitment to supporting the local community. Nominate now.
Inclusive Leadership Award -This award will go to a person or group that demonstrates leadership that champions inclusivity, equity, and diversity. The judges are looking for examples of environments where all people feel represented, respected, and empowered with examples of measurable improvements in inclusive practice, policy, or culture. Nominate now.
Environmental Hero of the Year – We want to recognise the people who are playing their part by reducing their environmental impact. Nominees should demonstrate significant action to reduce their environmental impact. Provide clear, measurable results.
The nominee must demonstrate leadership and long-term commitment to sustainability. Demonstrate positive environmental and community impact. Inspire others through their example, acting as a role model for environmental responsibility and encouraging broader environmental action. Nominate now.
Active Inspiration Award -We are looking for someone who is an inspiration to others, someone who promotes or champions physical activity, sport, exercise, or healthy lifestyles. Demonstrate personal achievement, coaching excellence, or community motivation. Inspiring others to engage in physical activity. Nominate now.
Education Award -This award recognises someone in the educational space who contributes exceptional effort to education, learning, or development (teacher, mentor, support staff, volunteer, organisation, etc.) Demonstrates innovation, dedication, or transformative impact on learners. Show commitment to inclusion, access, and high-quality learning experiences.
Achieve measurable positive outcomes for students or the wider learning community. Nominate now.
Lifetime Hero – This award celebrates a person who has been active in the area, either in business or the community for 25 years or more. Judges will be looking for evidence of outstanding leadership, implementation of change or new innovations, inspiring and developing others, achievements in business and demonstration of a strong connection to the local economy and communities. Nominate now.
What the judges are looking for:
- Background and Connection; Briefly introduce the nominee and their connection to the local area; Outline their career or community involvement over the years;
- Leadership and Influence; Describe their leadership qualities and how they have inspired others; Include examples of mentoring, team development, or community leadership;
- Achievements and Innovations; Highlight major accomplishments in business or community projects; Share any innovative ideas or changes they have implemented;
- Impact on Local Economy and Community; Explain how their work has contributed to economic growth or community wellbeing; Mention partnerships, investments, or initiatives benefiting the local area;
- Legacy and Inspiration; How has this person inspired others and left a lasting legacy? Share testimonials or stories showing their influence.
Proud Preston Award -This award celebrates a person who embodies the spirit, pride, and values of Preston.
Make exceptional contributions that elevate the city’s reputation, culture, community, or wellbeing. They should demonstrate commitment to making Preston a better place for residents and visitors and serve as a role model for civic pride, community spirit, and positive impact. Nominate now.
How to nominate?
Visit the Proud Preston Awards website, create an account, and follow the instructions to nominate.
There’s a frequently asked questions page with some guidance about nominating.
Want to back the Proud Preston Awards?
Each category is available for businesses or organisations to sponsor and show their support and help make the Proud Preston Awards an annual fixture in the city’s events calendar. If you’re interested contact stuart.mulrooney@iconicmediagroup.co.uk
Anyone with any questions about the event can contact event manager Sam Campbell on samantha.campbell@iconicmediagroup.co.uk
Support Blog Preston: Keep our community reporting going and view the website without any adverts too. Sign up for a membership today.
Stay updated: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox. Help us report too, by contacting us if you see something we should be reporting on.
Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines
