Proud Preston Awards launches to celebrate the people and organisations making our city great

A new awards is launching to help celebrate the great work done by Prestonians across the city.

Proud Preston Awards is coming to Preston in 2026 and is a partnership between the Lancashire Post, Preston City Council, Blog Preston and Central Radio.

With 14 categories recognising the outstanding achievements of Preston across the business, community and voluntary sectors there is a category for everyone.

Winners will be crowned at a glittering gala dinner at The Marriott Preston on Thursday, March 19.

A celebration of civic pride
Councillor Susan Whittam, the Mayor of Preston, said: “I’m honoured in my role as Mayor of Preston to meet some amazing Prestonians doing amazing things, from all walks of life, and this will be a fantastic opportunity to formally recognise their efforts at a glittering event where everyone can feel special and celebrate their achievements together.”

Councillor Valerie Wise, Preston City Council’s cabinet member for community wealth building and city regeneration, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the Lancashire Post and co-media partners Blog Preston and Central Radio on what we understand to be the first community awards of its kind and scale for Preston.

“The Proud Preston Awards 2026 will bring businesses, the public sector and the voluntary, charity and faith sectors together to celebrate and honour our unsung heroes, everyday people that go above and beyond in their daily lives to help their fellow neighbours, friends, family and communities.

“As part of the city’s commitment to Community Wealth Building we value everyone’s contribution and this event will be a fantastic way to help do this.”

What are the categories?
Nominations will be sought in variety of categories including: Carer of the Year; Arts Hero of the Year; Charity Hero of the Year; Inspirational Young Leader; Community Initiative of the Year; Business in the Community Award; Inclusive Leadership Award; Environmental Hero of the Year; Sports & Wellness Hero of the Year; Unsung Hero Award; Lifetime Hero and the Proud Preston Award – with details on how to nominate someone or an organisation to be released soon.

There are many ways to get involved with Proud Preston 2026 Awards including nominating your personal heroes as well as category and event sponsorship.

Stuart Mulrooney, Commercial Director at the Lancashire Post, said “We’re incredibly proud to be launching the inaugural Proud Preston Awards in partnership with Preston City Council.

“This event is a fantastic opportunity to acknowledge the individuals and businesses driving Preston forward. We’re encouraging local businesses to get involved and play their part in what promises to be a special celebration of the Preston community.”

To find more information about sponsorship opportunities at the Proud Preston 2026 Awards email Stuart.Mulrooney@lep.co.uk

Media titles unite to back Preston
The event will see coverage across a variety of platforms including the Lancashire Post online and in print, on Blog Preston and on Central Radio’s airwaves. It follows the three titles successful partnership on the award-nominated Parched Pea Podcast which explored the people and places which make Preston tick.

Vanessa Sims, Editor of the Lancashire Post, said: “At the Lancashire Post we have a long history of celebrating Preston and its wonderful communities.

“These awards are a perfect way to shine a light on the wonderful work happening everyday in every corner and community in Preston. We can’t wait to celebrate with each and every winner.”

Ed Walker, founder and editor of Blog Preston, said: “We regularly feature people and organisations doing fantastic and inspirational work in Preston and it will be great in the Proud Preston Awards to have a way to bring them all together and celebrate what makes Preston such a superb and thriving city. The awards will also see those shortlisted featured across a range of different media outlets too who are all working together to hopefully motivate and inspire others in the city and beyond.”

Nathan Hill, from Central Radio, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be a media partner on these brand-new awards for 2026. Preston is full of remarkable people, innovative businesses and community groups that make a real difference every single day, and this event gives us the chance to shine a spotlight on their achievements.”