Culture Burnley Awards 2026 winners announced, including lifetime achievement recognition for Nick Hunt, creative driving force behind Mid Pennine Arts for 35 years
The creative driving force behind Mid Pennine Arts for the past 35 years, Nick Hunt has been recognised with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Culture Burnley Awards 2026.
The award recognises an individual whose dedication, influence, and passion have made a sustained and outstanding contribution to the cultural, heritage and creative sector over many years with a lasting impact on the local cultural landscape.
In Nick’s case, his impact on the cultural landscape is tangible in the shape of the Singing Ringing Tree, created as part of MPA’s most famous project, Panopticons, which was conceived and led by Nick, to change perceptions of the borough.
It has since become a symbol of how culture can drive regeneration, earning international recognition along the way.
Nick’s award was the culmination of a glittering awards night at the Burnley Mechanics Theatre attended by over 200 people when 18 other events, projects, organisations and individuals were recognised either as winners or highly commended for their roles in a host of cultural, heritage, and entertainment events and activities across the borough.
Our awards programme is part of the lead up to Burnley 2027 Year of Culture, which aims to raise the profile of culture in Burnley, drive growth, foster innovation, and create a lasting legacy of benefits – including promoting social cohesion, civic pride, and environmental sustainability.
Charlotte Steels, our Head of Culture, says: “Congratulations to all the finalists and particularly to our winners.
“The Culture Burnley Awards shine a spotlight on the creativity, passion and commitment that makes our borough such a special place to live, work and visit. From grassroots community projects to established cultural organisations, it’s wonderful to see so many events, groups and individuals being recognised.
“Evenings such as this make you feel incredibly proud. There are thousands of people in Burnley who are involved in choirs, amateur dramatic or dance groups, music, heritage, and creativity of all kinds. They have a huge impact on our borough, bringing joy to tens of thousands of people each year through events and projects across the borough’s venues, streets, parks, and public spaces.”
The other winners on the night were:
Rising Star Award for outstanding young people aged 13–25 who demonstrate exceptional talent, creativity, and potential, celebrating those tipped to be the cultural stars of the future.
Winner: Grace Blizzard – an early-career photographer and Marketing Co-ordinator at Burnley Youth Theatre, she combines strong artistic talent with a thoughtful, community-focused approach, ensuring young people and local audiences feel represented and celebrated through her work.
Highly commended: Ruby Whittaker.
Nurturing Creativity Award for those who work behind the scenes to nurture and inspire others in the creative and cultural sector.
Winner: Andy Cooke, Basics Junior Theatre School. Under Andy’s humble, caring, and selfless leadership, Basics offers countless opportunities for young people to perform to exceptional standards.
Highly commended: Burnley Youth Theatre First Byte.
Cultural Partnership Award for collaborations that connect culture with other sectors – including education, health, business and leisure.
Winner: The Nasheed Project. Run by Building Bridges in Burnley (BBB), a long-standing community interfaith organisation, the project brought together schools, families, madrasahs, Lancashire Music Service and Burnley Football Club, delivering 50 Nasheed music sessions and securing BFC as the venue for the National Big Sing programme.
Highly commended: Burnley Believes Christmas Light Switch On 2025.
Culture for All Award for individuals, groups or organisations who use culture and creativity to bring people together, overcome barriers, and strengthen communities.
Winner: Burnley Signing Choir, an inspiring project promoting inclusive music-making. The choir welcomes people of all ages and abilities and uses Makaton – a communication system of signs, symbols, and speech – to ensure everyone can participate, express themselves, and enjoy singing together.
Highly Commended: The Caravan Gallery Burnley Pride of Place Project.
Outstanding Cultural Event Award for a festival, performance, or event in any discipline that has demonstrated creativity, excellence, and meaningful impact, whether large or small.
Winner: From The Moor, British Textile Biennial, a stunning retrospective exhibition hosted at Burnley Empire Theatre by multi-disciplinary artist and designer Aitor Throup, marking the finale of the British Textile Biennial. The exhibition showcased over 100 garments, accessories, sculptures, and drawings spanning Throup’s 22-year international career.
Highly commended: The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Burnley Light Opera Society.
Creative Excellence Award for cultural and creative individuals in any field who are producing outstanding, original work and/or supporting and inspiring the development of culture in Burnley.
Winner: Madge Nawaz. As a local business owner and long-standing advocate for grassroots music, Madge has been the driving force behind some of Burnley’s most significant live music initiatives, including Burnley Live and Bands in the Park.
Highly commended: Stephie Jessop.
Outstanding Cultural Organisation Award 2026 for organisations of any size delivering inspirational and innovative cultural and creative activity.
Winner: Towneley Hall Museum & Art Gallery. Before re-opening to the public in July 2025, after an extensive restoration project, the hall’s team worked tirelessly to not only support the restoration but continued to engage and inspire the community, by delivering events and workshops including family crafts, films, talks, and the Sew Social project, supporting those experiencing loneliness or isolation.
Highly commended: Super Slow Way
Volunteer Excellence Award for individuals or groups of volunteers of all ages who give their time, energy, and skills to support or deliver cultural, heritage and creative experiences across any discipline.
Winner: Sophie Gibson, Chair of Burnley Empire Trust. Sophie’s dedication, leadership and tireless commitment continues to inspire confidence that the Empire will once again take its place at the heart of Burnley’s cultural life.
Highly commended: Vivien Storey, The Hub Padiham
#OutdoorTown Award for individuals, groups, or organisations delivering cultural and creative activities in outdoor spaces.
Winner: Painting Padiham, a much-anticipated event in the town’s annual calendar, it creates a trail of artists throughout the town’s main street shops and cafes, areas off the beaten track and by linking with nearby Gawthorpe Hall, it encourages visitors to explore and connect with local heritage.
Highly commended: Burnley Nature Festival.
The evening was once again hosted by renowned radio presenter John ‘Gilly’ Gillmore, whose illustrious career spans five decades and stints at Red Rose Radio in Preston and The Bay in Lancaster before moving to BBC Radio Lancashire.
Performances included Suco Samba, Swan Lake performed by the alumni and students of Mentors in Ballet Education, Local Vocals Choir and duo Radio Caroline, plus a rousing closing recital from opera singer Seán Ruane.
