The 17th Luton's Best Awards are officially live
The 17th Luton’s Best Awards are now open for nominations. Each year, the awards shine a spotlight on the remarkable people and organisations whose commitment, generosity and hard work strengthen our communities and improve the lives of others. Whether they are young or old, volunteers or professionals, individuals or groups, we want to hear their stories so that we can recognise and celebrate their contribution to Luton.
To nominate, please visit the website. You have until 3rd January 2027 to enter www.loveluton.org.uk/lutonsbestawards
The categories are:
Adult Achiever Award: Sponsored by University of Bedfordshire
This award recognises an individual aged 21 or over who has achieved success and made a positive contribution in their chosen field. Whether through their career, arts and culture, education, sport, or a personal passion or pastime, nominees will have demonstrated dedication, achievement and a commitment to excellence. Their accomplishments will have inspired others and made a meaningful impact on those around them.
Best Fundraiser Award: Sponsored by Sherriff Construction
This award recognises a dedicated charity fundraiser, or fundraising team, of any age who has made an outstanding contribution through fundraising activities, voluntary efforts, or other forms of support for charitable causes. We encourage nominations for individuals or groups who are still actively involved in their role, although nominations may highlight achievements and contributions made before 2025/26 as well as their more recent impact.
Best Volunteer Award: Sponsored by Signature Flight Support
This award recognises a volunteer, or team of volunteers, of any age who has made an outstanding contribution by giving their time, skills and energy to support others, charities or community initiatives across Luton. We encourage nominations for individuals or groups who are still actively volunteering, although nominations may include achievements and contributions made before 2025/26 as well as their more recent impact.
Care in the Community Award: Sponsored by Volker Fitzpatrick
This award recognises an individual or group who has gone above and beyond to care for and support others. Nominees may include family members, friends, doctors, nurses, care workers, volunteers or anyone providing care in either a professional or voluntary capacity. We are looking for those who have shown exceptional dedication, compassion, patience and understanding while making a real difference to the lives of some of our most vulnerable residents.
Child of Courage Award: Sponsored by Ryebridge
This award recognises a young person aged 18 or under who has demonstrated exceptional courage, determination or resilience. Nominees may have put themselves at risk to help or save another person, overcome significant challenges in their own lives, or taken positive action to improve the lives of others. The award celebrates young people who have shown remarkable strength of character and made an inspiring difference despite the obstacles they have faced.
Community Business Person: Sponsored by Goodman
This award recognises an individual of any age who works, studies or volunteers in Luton and has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the local community. Nominees will have shown excellence in their profession, business, studies or service, enhancing the reputation of both the business community and the town. They may also have gone above and beyond in providing exceptional service, support or leadership that has made a positive and lasting impact on local people.
Community Company of the Year: Sponsored by Frasers Plus Luton
This award recognises an individual or team from the public, private or voluntary sector that goes above and beyond to make a positive difference in the community. We are particularly keen to hear from organisations that have shown exceptional commitment to Luton through initiatives such as delivering against a Luton 2040 pledge, joining the Good Business Charter, or supporting the town through outstanding community action.
Community Project of the Year: Sponsored by TUI
This award recognises a community project led by a charity, voluntary organisation, community group, school or other local organisation that has made a positive and lasting difference to the community. Judges will look for projects that demonstrate clear benefits, strong community engagement and a meaningful legacy. Examples may include initiatives that bring people together, support health and wellbeing, enhance the environment, promote the arts, or strengthen community pride.
Entrepreneur of the year: Sponsored by Aegis Support Services
This award recognises an individual aged 16 or over who studies or works in Luton and has demonstrated outstanding entrepreneurial spirit. Entrepreneurs turn ideas into reality, bringing innovation, determination and fresh thinking to create new opportunities, products, services or social impact. Through their ambition and hard work, nominees will have made a positive contribution to the local community, economy or wider society.
Environmental Achievement Award: Sponsored by Utilita
This award recognises an individual or organisation that has demonstrated a commitment to protecting and enhancing the environment, conserving local heritage, or promoting sustainable practices. Nominees may have led environmental projects, introduced sustainable products or services, improved a conservation area, or delivered initiatives that create lasting benefits for Luton’s communities and green spaces. Examples include community environmental projects, school-led initiatives, heritage restoration, or activities that support regeneration and environmental stewardship.
Inspirational Female Leader Award: Sponsored by Luton Sixth Form College
From community champions to leaders of our most important organisations, women help shape Luton every day through compassionate, inspiring leadership. This award celebrates the outstanding contribution women make to our town and surrounding area. We welcome nominations for women from across our diverse community whose courage, kindness, achievement, leadership or determination has made a real difference. Help us recognise and celebrate the remarkable women whose impact deserves to be seen and applauded.
Leisure, Culture and Heritage Award: Sponsored by Active Luton
This award recognises an individual or organisation that has excelled and inspired others through sport, arts, leisure, culture or heritage. Nominees will have demonstrated outstanding commitment, achievement and leadership, making a significant contribution to developing, promoting and enriching these areas within Luton. Their work will have had a positive impact on the town and helped inspire wider community participation and pride.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Sponsored by London Luton Airport
This award recognises an individual whose contribution to the community has had a significant and lasting impact. Whether as a volunteer, carer, community champion or business leader, nominees will have dedicated their time, energy and commitment to improving the lives of others in Luton. The award celebrates those whose sustained efforts have made a real difference to the town and its communities over many years.
Luton in Harmony Award: Sponsored by Chiltern Learning Trust
This award recognises an individual or organisation that has actively promoted community cohesion, inclusion and diversity in Luton. Through their leadership, initiatives or community engagement, nominees will have helped bring people together, celebrate the town’s rich diversity, and strengthen understanding between different communities. Their work will have made a positive contribution to both community relations and Luton’s reputation.
Luton’s most outstanding citizen 2026: Sponsored by Kelly’s Storage
This award recognises an outstanding individual of any age who has gone above and beyond to make a positive difference in Luton during 2026. Whether through their work, volunteering, charity involvement, community leadership or simple acts of kindness, nominees will have made a meaningful impact on the lives of others. They could be a businessperson, volunteer, community champion, neighbour, friend or relative, anyone who embodies the very best of Luton. This prestigious award celebrates the person whose contribution, dedication and impact truly stand out and who can be considered Luton’s Most Outstanding Citizen of 2026.
Service with a Smile: Sponsored by Carlisle Support Services
This award recognises an individual or team from the public, private or voluntary sector that consistently goes above and beyond to deliver exceptional customer service. Through their dedication, professionalism and enthusiasm, nominees will have made a positive difference to customers while enhancing the reputation of their organisation. Judges will be looking for examples of outstanding service, a customer-focused approach, and a commitment to exceeding expectations.
Sporting Inspiration Award: Sponsored by Luton Town Football Club
This award recognises an individual aged 18 or over who has excelled in their chosen sport and inspired others through their achievements, dedication and commitment. Nominees will have demonstrated success in their sport while serving as a positive role model both on and off the field. Judges will be looking for individuals who have used their achievements and experiences to make a positive impact on their club or community, inspiring others through their leadership, sportsmanship and contribution to sport. Consideration will be given to sporting success, commitment, community impact and the qualities that make the nominee stand out.
Young Achiever Award: Sponsored by Barnfield College
This award recognises a young person aged 20 or under who has demonstrated exceptional achievement, dedication and determination. Whether through education, employment, sport or service to the community, nominees will have made a positive impact and shown a commitment to reaching their potential. Judges will be looking for young people who have excelled in their chosen area, overcome challenges, inspired others, or made a meaningful contribution to their school, workplace, sporting field or local community.
The People’s Choice Award: Sponsored by The Luton News and Ethos Farm
The readers of the Luton News will have the opportunity to pick the winner they feel is most deserving. On the week of 18th January 2027, the newspaper
will announce the shortlisted candidates. You will have until Friday, 5th February 2027, to pick your worthy winner. You can do this by visiting: