Ten years of celebrating Tendring’s brilliant young people was marked in style as inspiring finalists, proud families and supporters came together for the district’s milestone youth awards.
Held at Clacton’s Princes Theatre, the milestone evening shone a spotlight on inspiring young people and groups, as well as adults who go above and beyond to support them.
The award categories were as wide-ranging as the achievements they celebrated, including Young Lifesaver, Community Improvement, Environmental Initiative, and the Unsung Hero award for adults who support young people.
Whether nominated as individuals or as part of a group, such as a youth organisation, finalists were recognised for achievements in academia, inspirational caring, community work, environmental efforts and more.
A new Make A Difference Award was also introduced for 2026, presented on the recommendation of the judging panel thanks to long-time Tendring Youth Awards supporter Nigel Spencer MBE DL.
Karen O’Connor, Chairwoman of the Tendring Youth Awards, said reaching the tenth year was a proud moment and a chance to reflect on the difference the awards have made over the past decade.
“Ten years on from the first Tendring Youth Awards, it is wonderful to see this event still shining a light on the remarkable young people and adults who make such a difference in our communities,” she said.
“Over the past decade we have heard so many inspiring stories, and this year’s finalists and nominees should feel incredibly proud. Their determination, compassion and community spirit show just how much talent and goodness there is across Tendring.
“We are hugely grateful to our sponsors, supporters, committee members and volunteers, whose generosity and hard work make the awards possible year after year.
“Most of all, thank you to the young people and groups we celebrated. They are an inspiration to our communities and a reminder of why these awards matter.”
The awards were proudly headlined by Harwich Haven Authority (HHA), with support from the Princes Theatre, Haltermann Carless, Aquinas Provisions, Searles Financial Planning, Pickering Group, and Nantmor Blinds, with additional support from Tendring District Council and Essex County Council.
Jo North, Chief Executive of Harwich Haven Authority, said the evening was a powerful reminder of the talent, kindness and commitment shown by young people across Tendring.
“Over recent years our organisation has worked hard to get out and about to engage with and understand how we can best support the needs of young people living across our area,” she said.
“We have had the pleasure of working with many groups on various initiatives that we believe have truly enriched the loves of numerous young people in Tendring.
“It was truly inspirational to hear about the great work both young people and adults are doing to make improvements in their local communities.”
The evening also featured performances from Engaines Primary School Choir in Little Clacton and Stagestruck.
To stay updated on the Tendring Youth Awards or to find out how your organisation can get involved as a sponsor, visit https://www.tendringdc.gov.uk/tendring-youth-awards.
