Nominations open for the Lord-Lieutenant’s Awards for Young People 2026

The search is on for Leicestershire’s most inspiring young people as the Lord-Lieutenant launches his 2026 Awards, celebrating exceptional achievements across the city and county. 

The Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Mike Kapur OBE CStJ, is inviting nominations for young people aged 13 to 19 who have shown remarkable courage, leadership, creativity, or dedication to helping others. 

Family, friends, teachers, and community leaders are encouraged to nominate the outstanding young people they feel deserve recognition for their efforts and who make a real difference in their communities.  

There are four award categories to choose from, Young Person of Courage, Young Volunteer, Young Leader and Young Artist. 

This annual awards event is designed to celebrate the achievements of our exceptional young people across the city and county. 

It is an opportunity for us all to come together to recognise their individual talents and the outstanding contributions they make to their local communities. Please show your support by nominating the amazing young people you know today.

Person:Mike Kapur OBE CStJ, Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire

Nominations for the awards, which are sponsored by various local businesses and both Leicestershire County and Leicester City Councils, can be made by schools, voluntary organisations, parents, carers, other young people, or any individual.  

The awards are open to all 13–19-year-olds living or attending full-time education in Leicester or Leicestershire. 

The awards are sponsored by various local businesses and supported by both Leicestershire County and Leicester City Councils.

The closing date for nominations is 13 February 2026. Visit the awards website for full details of the categories and information on how to ensure the nomination fully reflects the young person’s achievements. 

A panel of judges, which will include young people and is chaired by Deputy Lieutenant Sally Bowie, will consider all nominations meeting the criteria for the award. The judges will shortlist three young finalists in each category of the award. 

The finalists will each receive a framed certificate together with a prize. 

Category winners will be announced at the ceremony - each winner receiving a prize to the value of £500. 

The overall Lord-Lieutenant’s Young Person of the Year also receives a special trophy. 

The finalists and their parents or guardians will be invited to a special ‘red carpet’ awards evening and dinner, hosted by the Lord-Lieutenant, to be held next year.