The Bedford Independent Everyday Heroes Awards 2025 are now open for nominations, in partnership with The Harpur Trust, celebrating the individuals and groups who make Bedford Borough a better place to live, work, and play.
The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, 07 May, at The Quarry Theatre, with Bedford School as host sponsor and The Quarry Theatre as venue sponsor.
Pride in Bedford
One of this year’s key categories is Pride in Bedford Borough, sponsored by Bedford Radio.
Nominate a Bedford Independent Everyday here
The award recognises individuals, organisations or initiatives that showcase the very best of Bedford Borough and help make it a place people are proud to call home.
From the arts and music to sport, local business, environmental work and social projects, the category celebrates those who champion Bedford and bring communities together.
Whether through events, campaigns, creative initiatives or grassroots community projects, organisers are encouraging nominations for those who inspire civic pride.
The award sits alongside the Raising the Profile of Bedford Borough category, which recognises those who put the Borough on the map beyond its borders.
Rebecca Steers of Bedford Radio said: “Bedford has so much to be proud about, and as Bedford’s local radio station, we love doing what we can to shout about and support all that Bedford has to offer, those living, working, or visiting our great town.
“This is why we’re proud to sponsor and support this award.”
In 2024, the Pride in Bedford Borough Award was presented to Anne-Marie Abbate for bringing art to Bedford’s communities and promoting inclusivity and self-enrichment through a variety of art mediums and events.
How to nominate
Nominate a Bedford Independent Everyday here
The categories reflect the diverse ways Bedfordians make the Borough a brilliant place to live, work, and play. Below are the categories, their sponsors, and the 2024 winners for inspiration:
| Category | Sponsor | 2024 Winner |
| Volunteer of the Year | Harpur Trust | Janet Dickinson |
| Excellence in Education | Bedford School | Michael Walker |
| Raising the Profile of Bedford Borough | The Quarry Theatre | Bedford Esquires |
| Pride in Bedford Borough | Bedford Radio | Anne-Marie Abbate |
| Young Achiever (up to age 13) | Maths Circle/Times Tables Rock Stars | Lucy Backhurst |
| Young Achiever (14 to 21) | Bedford Heights | Urban Judge |
| Youth Voice | Bedford Giving | Sporting Aid – The Next Generation Podcast |
| Inclusion Champion | BILTT | New Category / N/A |
| Fundraiser of the Year (Individual) | Woodfines Solicitors | Frankie Pickup |
| Fundraiser of the Year (Team) | White Hart Press | Bedford Christmas Tree Festival |
| Unsung Hero | Brewpoint | Shapna Khanam |
| Young Carer of the Year | HEART Academies Trust | Charlie Lloyd |
Do you know someone in Bedford Borough who deserves recognition for their selfless work? Nominating them is simple. You can submit your nomination using the form below or by visiting the Bedford Independent Everyday Heroes Awards page.
- Eligibility: Nominations must be for work carried out or achievements made between 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2025.
- Deadline: Nominations close at midnight on Sunday, 1 March 2026.
