A Place To Be Proud Of awards return to celebrate community stars in Basingstoke and Deane

Entries are now open for the 21st edition of the prestigious A Place To Be Proud Of awards.

Launched in 2003 by Destination Basingstoke, the awards have shined a spotlight on hundreds of local heroes, companies and community groups across Basingstoke and Deane.

Next year will see the event move to the Apollo Hotel, headline sponsor for 2024, alongside a simpler nomination process.

Jonathan Pender, Chair of Destination Basingstoke, said: “We’re proud to organise the awards as they’re at the heart of what we do – showcasing and celebrating the amazing individuals, businesses and community organisations that make Basingstoke and Deane a place to be proud of.”

The award categories for 2024 are as follows:

• Above and Beyond – sponsored by Castle Trust Bank
• Health & Wellbeing – sponsored by Lilly UK
• Volunteer of the Year – sponsored by Beaufort Financial (Reading)
• Green Community Champion – sponsored by Tomato Energy
• Young Role Model – sponsored by Queen Mary’s College
• Charity of the Year – available for sponsorship
• Unsung Hero – available for sponsorship
• Sports Club of the Year – available for sponsorship
• Sports Personality of the Year (Junior and Senior) – available for sponsorship
• Inspirational Educator – available for sponsorship
• Community Lifetime Achievement – available for sponsorship

Jonathan added: “We’re delighted that so many local business sponsors are continuing with their support for these prestigious awards, and we’re also delighted to welcome some new sponsors for 2024.

“We’re particularly grateful to the Apollo Hotel, Basingstoke for their headline event sponsorship, and we look forward to bringing the awards to this well-known and popular local hotel and business centre.”

Destination Basingstoke has also partnered with Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Basingstoke Voluntary Action, and Basingstoke Voluntary Sports Council to help get the word out to the local community.

Businesses interested in sponsoring a category are invited to get in touch with Mark Jones, Partnerships Manager, at mark.jones@destinationbasingstoke.co.uk

• To find out how to enter, visit destinationbasingstoke.co.uk/a-place-to-be-proud-of

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