Harborough Community Awards Celebrate Local Heroes & Organisations

Volunteers, young people, community groups and local businesses have been recognised for their contributions to communities across Harborough.

The winners and runners-up of the Harborough District Community Awards 2026 were celebrated at a ceremony at Kibworth Community Hub.

Residents nominated individuals and organisations over the summer, with the nominations assessed by panels including Harborough District Council officers, Voluntary Action LeicesterShire, the Market Harborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce and members of the Harborough District Youth Council.

Cllr Amanda Nunn, Harborough District Council’s Cabinet lead for Wellbeing, said: “Strong communities are built by people who give their time, energy, and support to others.”

She said the awards were an opportunity to thank those helping their communities, adding: “It was inspiring to hear about the work of everyone who was shortlisted and to celebrate the difference they are making.”

The winners were:

Voluntary and Community Group of the Year
Winner: Blooming Lutterworth
Runner-up: Fleckney Duckpond Players

Young Person of the Year (11–18)
Winner: Cecilia Till – Welland Park Academy
Runners-up: Student from Robert Smyth Academy and William Taylor – Rotary Club of Market Harborough

Volunteer of the Year (19–59)
Winner: Aaron Oldham – Dunton and Broughton United FC
Runner-up: Andrew Reeves – Teddington

Volunteer of the Year (60+)
Winner: Ernest Gamble – Volunteer in Houghton
Runner-up: Pippa Underwood – VASL

The Citizenship Cup
Winner: John Morison – Hallaton

Stronger Together: Workplace Impact Award
Winner: Lynne McConnachie – Leicestershire County Council
Runner-up: Chloe Goode – Craft-I-Trims

Business-Community Impact of the Year Award
Winner: Market Harborough Building Society
Runners-up: Hinckley & Rugby Building Society – Lutterworth Branch and The Roebuck – Market Harborough

Gareth Thomas, President of the Market Harborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said businesses had an important role to play in the communities they serve.

He said: “It’s great to see so many local organisations using their time, resources, and expertise to make a difference.”

The awards have been held annually since 2024, celebrating people, groups and organisations helping to make communities across the district stronger, more connected and more vibrant.