Local Hero Awards

A national celebration of everyday Heroes

A National Platform Celebrating Community Impact and Leadership 500+ Curated Guests | 17th October 2026 | National Conference Center (NEC) Birmingham | Premium Awards & Dining Event

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National Conference Center (NEC), Birmingham
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17 October 2026
Past Event Highlights

2024 ceremony

Watch the highlights

Testimonials

Words from our Supporters

Hear from the presenters, public figures, and supporters who have experienced the impact of the Local Hero Awards.

The Local Hero Awards has the scope to go mainstream, it’s something truly special.

Raj Bisram

BBC TV Presenter

An emotional, heartwarming and world-class production. It was a privilege to host interviews on such a powerful night.

Hayley Palmer

Sky TV Presenter

It was fantastic! x

Nikk Mager

(Member of The Fizz):

An outstanding night, the energy, the brilliance, simply unforgettable. For only a second year, it felt like two decades of experience. Truly phenomenal!

Dr Lady Waynett Peters

Guest

The evening was truly special, filled with warmth, celebration, and stories that reminded everyone why community matters. Bal and the team did an amazing job; I literally can’t wait for next year!

Sophie Marie Bennett

Judge

One of the most epic weekends of my life! My daughter Saira won the Future Star Award, presented by Oritsé Williams from JLS, what a night!

Simi Pandhal

Parent of Future Star winner

One of the most professionally organised evenings I’ve seen in a long time. Truly a night to remember, roll on next year and every year after that!

Milan S

Artist/Singer

Bal, you’re a huge inspiration, the perfect leadership people thrive on.

Kahir Miah

Guest

Founder Bal Heer and her team put on a wonderful evening acknowledging those making a difference in our communities. Judging was hard, all the finalists were outstanding.

Mandeep Singh Gabhari

Judge

What an experience and what an event. Truly inspiring to see what people do for their communities, and what an amazing lady Bal Heer is.

Tariq Ansari

Guest

A spectacular and well-organised event recognising local heroes, a great opportunity to meet incredible guests and celebrities. Congratulations to Bal Heer and her team!

Gin Bansal

Guest

Privileged to join again this year, congratulations on a super event!

Bimla Devi Khumb

Guest

What a phenomenal event it was.

Shukeel A. Chohan

Guest

Congratulations on an inspirational night, thank you for allowing me to be part of it.

Shane Yerrell BCA

Guest

You’re an inspiration to thousands.

Mohammed Jamil

Guest

Epic indeed! Congratulations to everyone involved.

Dara Sanghera

Guest

What a great night, everyone loved it.

Kulvinder Jandu

Guest

Official Charity Partner

Partnering with LoveBrum

Supporting grassroots charities creating meaningful impact across Birmingham.

LoveBrum

LoveBrum

Birmingham grassroots charity

For 2026, we proudly partner with LoveBrum — supporting small Birmingham charities delivering grassroots projects that create meaningful impact. Funds raised help local initiatives aligned with resilience, compassion, and service.

Scan to donate to LoveBrum

Scan to donate

Welcome to Local Hero Awards

Honouring courage, kindness & community spirit

The Local Hero Awards proudly celebrate the extraordinary individuals, organisations, and community groups who make an outstanding difference to lives and communities across the United Kingdom.

This prestigious national event honours the courage, compassion, and dedication of people from all walks of life, those who go above and beyond to inspire others and create lasting change.

From lifesaving NHS staff, brave uniformed heroes, and dedicated carers, to young entrepreneurs, children of courage, and community champions, the Local Hero Awards shine a spotlight on the stories that define the very best of our nation.

Now recognised as one of the UK’s most inspiring events, the ceremony attracts celebrity guests, high-profile figures, and national media attention, uniting people from every background in one powerful evening of celebration, emotion, and pride.

More than just an event, the Local Hero Awards are a movement, a heartfelt tribute to the everyday heroes who remind us all what it truly means to make a difference.

Why we exist

A movement built on courage, kindness & community

Our Mission

The Local Hero Awards were created to celebrate the spirit of humanity.

Our mission is to share stories of kindness, resilience, and bravery that inspire others to act, give back, and support their communities. Each nomination helps spark a ripple effect, building a stronger, kinder, and more connected nation. By recognising these remarkable achievements, we aim to honour not only the heroes of today, but to inspire the heroes of tomorrow.

Event Highlights

What makes the evening unforgettable

Recognition

Celebrate the outstanding achievements of our national heroes as they receive well-deserved recognition before an audience of distinguished guests, public figures, and supporters.

Inspiring Stories

Experience powerful moments as real-life stories of courage, compassion, and community spirit are shared live on stage.

Networking

Join celebrities, business leaders, community organisations, and changemakers united by a shared mission to celebrate those who make the UK proud.

Entertainment

Enjoy an unforgettable evening featuring world-class entertainment, live music, and inspiring performances, all in honour of our heroes.

Hall of Fame

2025 Winners

Meet the heroes whose stories have already touched the nation.

AT

Best New Local Business

At The Woods (Birmingham, West Midlands)

HG

The Highly Commended Award

Harj Ghaley (Slough, Berkshire)

NK

Inspiration & Education of the Year

Nikita Kanda (Wolverhampton, West Midlands)

IR

Sports Person of the Year

Ian Robinson (Birmingham, West Midlands)

CK

Good Neighbour Award

Cimi Kazizi & Maya Joshi (Leicestershire)

RC

Community Project of the Year

Romanian+ Community Centre (Walsall, West Midlands)

GG

Community Group of the Year

Gwennie’s Getaways (Huddersfield, West Yorkshire)

MS

The People’s Choice Award

Mangal Singh (Essex)

MJ

The Lifetime Achievement Award

Major John K. Lam, British Army (National)

RC

Charity Champion

Raj Chagger (Nottingham, Nottinghamshire)

MM

NHS Hero

Manpreet Maycock (Marlborough, Wiltshire)

SP

Future Star

Saira Pandhal (Rugby, Warwickshire)

YS

Child of Courage (UNDER18)

Yuvraj Singh (Telford, Shropshire)

D&

Young Entrepreneur of the Year (UNDER 25)

Deivan & Rylan Virdee (Essex)

MM

Uniformed Hero

Manpreet Matharu (Kent)

Archive

Explore winners from 1+ past years

Browse the complete archive of 32 heroes recognised across every ceremony.

View Past Winners
Save the date

17 Oct 2026National Conference Center (NEC), Birmingham

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