The Your Harrogate Local Hero Awards with Harrogate Town are back for 2026 - and our finalists have now been revealed.
Our Local Hero Awards shine a light on the selfless, dedicated and inspirational people living and working in the Harrogate district.
Proudly returning for a fourth time, the ceremony will be a glamorous black tie event at Rudding Park Hotel on Friday 8th May 2026.
We'll be celebrating true 'Local Heroes' across 14 different categories, thanks to headline sponsors O’Connor Chiropractic.
Your Harrogate Managing Director Adam Daniel said:
"Every year the Your Harrogate Local Hero Awards remind us just how fortunate we are to live and work in such a caring and inspiring community.
"The 2026 finalists represent the very best of the Harrogate district - individuals and organisations who go above and beyond to make a real difference to the lives of others.
"We’ve been truly overwhelmed by the number and quality of nominations, and selecting this year’s finalists was no easy task. Every single nominee should be incredibly proud of their contribution.
"We’re looking forward to celebrating these amazing local heroes in style at Rudding Park this May, and shining a well-deserved spotlight on the people who make our community so special.”
The finalists for each category have now been revealed:
Community Champion (sponsored by Verity Frearson Estate Agents)
- Sara & Kelly Hirst
- Geoff Freeston
- David Wells
Employer of the Year (sponsored by Haddletons)
- West Park Care Harrogate Ltd
- Harrogate Neighbours
- Radfield Home Care
Active School (sponsored by Yorkshire Agricultural Society)
- Saltergate School
- Ripley, Beckwithshaw and Kettlesing Federation
- Brackenfield School
- Oatlands Infant School
Team of the Year (sponsored by LWC)
- Harrogate Hockey Club – U10’s
- Craven Community Boxing Club
- Knaresborough Town Women
- Nidderdale U11's Cricket Team
Sustainability Award (sponsored by Envirovent)
- Michelle Hayes (Resurrected Bites)
- Little Explorers Day Nursery
- Open Country
Volunteer of the Year (sponsored by Harrogate Theatre)
- Mark Bryant
- Tony Page
- Charlotte Smith
- David Wells
Teacher of the Year (sponsored by Turkish Baths Harrogate)
- Sophia Gardiner (North Rigton Primary School)
- Andrew Symonds (Richard Taylor Primary School)
- Joanna Currie (Henshaws Specialist College)
- Jamie Wilson (St Aidan's CE High School)
Child of Courage (sponsored by David Lloyd Clubs Harrogate)
To be announced on the evening
Bravery (sponsored by Barclay LED Solutions)
- Caiden Brown
- Imogen Molloy
- Sarah Robson
Sporting Achievement of the Year (sponsored by Oak by Design)
- Amhra Dyer-Stott
- Andrew Simister
- Lottie McGuiness
Parent/Guardian of the Year (sponsored by Divert)
- Amanda Shepherd
- Grace and Marshall Sibanda
- Victoria Robayna
Charity Fundraiser of the Year (sponsored by Harrogate Neighbours)
- Richard Larking
- John Shackleton
- Lauren Smith
- Zoe & Simon Parkes
Emergency Services Award (sponsored by Road Safety Talks)
- Jessica Ward
- Ann Burrell
- CC Tim Forber
- Sarah Robson
Lifetime Achievement Award (sponsored by O'Connor Chiropractic)
To be announced on the evening.

Harrogate BID celebrates another successful dog show
Specialist school for autistic pupils to open in Harrogate
Details revealed for return of Masham Tractor Run
Harrogate man attempts to smash second world record at London Marathon
Vintage tractor run raises more than £5,000 for Harrogate cancer centre
Harrogate mum runs half marathon to raise £2,400 for rare skin condition charity
Controversial expansion of Harrogate bottled water plant set for go-ahead
Ripon choristers shine in BBC's national Easter broadcast
Council plans to introduce 50p charge for public toilets
Starbeck Baths granted Asset of Community Value status
Historic Ripon Town Hall could be handed to city council
North Yorkshire Council launches legal action over road repair funding decision
Harrogate entrepreneur back in business with coeliac-safe brownies
Harrogate father-of-three to climb, cycle and run across UK in 5 days
Police appeal after 'derogatory word' spray painted onto van
Farmhouse in Harrogate celebrates seventh anniversary
Harrogate charity's shop set to feature on BBC's Shift the Thrift
New exhibition opens to mark 200 years of Harrogate's first hospital
Harrogate Brewing Co celebrates first anniversary on Royal Parade
Lightwater Valley set to introduce another new attraction


