The amazing accomplishments of young people in Tendring will be celebrated again as the Tendring Youth Awards returns for the tenth time.
Now open for nominations, the youth awards shine a spotlight on the fantastic achievements of young individuals who live, study, or work in the area; with one award also recognising the adults who support them.
People have until Monday, 4 May 2026 to make their nominations and suggest brilliant young people to attend the dazzling gala awards evening at Clacton's Princes Theatre in July.
This year’s sponsors include Harwich Haven Authority, which is back as the headline sponsor for the seventh year, 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.
The award categories are as wide-ranging as the achievements they celebrate, including Young Lifesaver, Community Improvement, Environmental Initiative, and the Unsung Hero award for adults who support young people.
Whether it's an individual or a group, such as a youth organisation, nominations are welcome.
A new Make A Difference Award is also being introduced for 2026, this year not open to nomination but on the recommendation of the judging panel, with thanks to long-time Tendring Youth Awards supporter Nigel Spencer MBE DL.
The categories recognise achievements in academia, inspirational caring, community work, and environmental efforts, among others.
A panel of judges will review the nominations after the 4 May deadline and compile a shortlist of finalists.
Karen O’Connor, Chairwoman of the Tendring Youth Awards – who was recently named as a Pride of Tendring winner for her work running the awards – shared her own pride for the remarkable achievements of young people in the area as the awards open for the tenth time.
“Even now, as we enter our tenth awards, I am still blown away by the amazing things young people, and I am glad we are still here recognising what an asset the youth are in Tendring,” she said.
“Each time we get to meet some brilliant people, and I can’t wait to read through this year’s nominations and hear the inspirational stories you have to share – and it is so important that you nominate the amazing young people you know and work with, so that we can celebrate their success.
“My thanks go to our awesome sponsors for their continued support and helping to make the event such a sparking evening for the young people. We hope to add some extra sparkle this year as we look back on more than 10 years of the awards; and would invite any previous winners to get in touch with us to tell us how they are getting on!”
To nominate someone for a Tendring Youth Award, complete an online nomination form at https://www.tendringdc.gov.uk/tendring-youth-awards or request a form and submit it via thetendringyouthawards@gmail.com – alternatively you can fill it out and return it by post to Tendring Youth Awards (Nominations), Town Hall, Clacton, CO15 1SE.
