“I’m privileged to meet remarkable people across our region every week. “

Meeting the extraordinary people who make our communities special is one of the greatest privileges of being Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. I was therefore delighted to present an award at the SPARK Awards evening in Peterborough, writes Paul Bristow.

I joined colleagues, charities and more than 200 guests at The Marriott Hotel to celebrate those who work tirelessly to support our city’s young people. Alongside entertainment and conversation, the evening was organised to recognise and award exceptional individuals and groups from across our community, and it did exactly that.

The awards were launched to acknowledge the city’s outstanding charitable organisations. Nominees included people who devote their time, energy and compassion to helping children feel supported, included and inspired to reach their potential. They do this because they care, not for recognition—which makes celebrating their efforts and achievements all the more important.

As Mayor, I’m privileged to meet remarkable people across our region every week. Yet there’s something special about bringing exceptional organisations together solely to celebrate their contributions to society.

It was an inspiring evening, bringing together nominees, winners and those behind the scenes who help make our city a better place. The awards celebrate the dedication, care and innovation of everyone working with or for children in our community. My Mayoral Authority supported the event because this work deserves recognition.

I was grateful to present the voluntary sector award, recognising a cause close to my heart. It celebrated exceptional not-for-profit organisations that support Peterborough’s communities and tackle social issues.

Culture Community, Up the Garden Bath and Tim and Liz Burgess all deserved to be nominated for this award. Their impact across our city deserves to be recognised and celebrated, regardless of whether they picked up an award or not. In fact, all three nominees deserved to win, in my view. Hearing first-hand about their work, the people they support and what keeps them motivated was a privilege.

I stood on that stage and got to announce that the voluntary sector award went to Culture Community, which is an outstanding organisation offering children and young adults a safe, supportive space to learn about and celebrate Black history.

Founded in 2020, Culture Community set out to enrich young minds through engaging teaching that inspires, educates and fosters. It has created an environment where children and young adults can build knowledge, confidence and lasting relationships. It was an honour to recognise their work and learn more about the organisation that they are building. I was truly inspired by their commitment.

Evenings like this remind me of Peterborough’s generous community spirit and makes me proud to call the city home. Our region is full of remarkable people, and I look forward to these award ceremonies continuing. Celebrating their achievements will always be one of my favourite parts of this job.

A huge congratulations to all those who were nominated, to all those who won and I can't wait to keep up with the amazing work that going on in Peterborough.