Nominations for Harborough District 2026 Community Awards are open

Held every year since 2024, the Harborough District Community Awards consist of seven award categories:

• Voluntary and Community Group of the Year
• Young Person of the Year (11-18yrs)
• Volunteer of the Year (19-59yrs)
• Volunteer of the Year (age 60+yrs)
• The Citizenship Cup
• Stronger Together: Workplace Impact Award
• Business-Community Impact of the Year Award 

Small judging panels including officer representatives from the council and local groups, Harborough District Youth Council, and The Market Harborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce will review all nominations and choose a shortlist to attend the Community Award event evening.

The event evening will be held on 1 October 2026 at Kibworth Community Hub and attendance will be by invitation only. This will be an opportunity to meet with the finalists, hear about their work and to thank them publicly for all that they do and to announce the winners and runners-up in each category.

Cat Hartley, Director of Communities at Harborough District Council said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to highlight an individual, group or business that gives back to their community by volunteering. I encourage everyone to make a nomination today to highlight their great work and say thank you.” 

Dr Gareth Thomas, President of Market Harborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce said: “Across Harborough District, there are countless individuals, volunteers, community groups and businesses who go above and beyond every day to make a positive difference to the lives of others. These awards provide an important opportunity to celebrate and recognise those unsung heroes whose commitment, kindness and community spirit help our towns and villages thrive.

“The Market Harborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce is proud to sponsor the Business-Community Impact of the Year Award, recognising businesses that not only achieve commercial success but also make a meaningful contribution to the communities they serve. Strong communities and strong businesses go hand in hand, and it is important that we celebrate those organisations that are making a real difference. On behalf of the Chamber, I encourage everyone to take a few moments to nominate an individual, group or business whose dedication, generosity and community spirit deserve recognition."

Completed nominations must be submitted before midnight on Tuesday 18 August 2026.  Any nominations received after the closing date will not be considered.

Details of the individual awards and criteria and how to nominate an individual or group are available on the council’s website at: www.harborough.gov.uk/communityawards26