The search is officially on for the unsung stars of our community as nominations open for the Bedford Independent Everyday Heroes Awards 2025.
Now in its sixth year, these awards continue to celebrate the people who quietly go the extra mile to make life better across Bedford Borough.
Held in partnership with The Harpur Trust, the awards will culminate in a ceremony celebrating our finalists at Bedford School’s The Quarry Theatre on Thursday, 7 May.
Shining a Spotlight on the Borough
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As our venue sponsors, The Quarry Theatre is also the proud category sponsor of the Raising the Profile of Bedford Borough Award.
This particular category is dedicated to the individuals or organisations who go above and beyond to put Bedford on the map further afield.
Whether it is a dedicated team running events that draw visitors into the town, or an organisation punching well above its weight on the national stage, this award honours those who truly shone a spotlight on the Borough throughout 2024.
While the Pride in Bedford Borough award focuses on making the town a place to be proud of for those who live here, the Raising the Profile award is all about external impact.
Theatre manager, James Pharaoh, said: “We are delighted to again sponsor the Raising the Profile of Bedford Borough category.
“As a cultural venue in Bedford, we know only too well how important it is for our community to get involved by putting the borough on the map.
“We are very proud to continue to be a part of the Everyday Heroes Awards and to recognise all those who do great things.”
The 2025 Award Categories
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 |
How to nominate
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.
