THE annual Kirkbymoorside Town Celebration and Community Awards have been launched with s special celebration planned for later in the year.

Nominations are invited from local residents for the awards which will be marked with a ‘Town Celebration and Community Awards’ day organised by Kirkbymoorside Town Council.

Town Cllr Jean Illingsworth said: "All of us that are lucky to live, work or shop in Kirkbymoorside know what a very special place it is, a real community with lots going on.

"There is something for everyone, with over fifty organisations operating in the town, ranging from the Environment Group to the Friday Rehearsal Orchestra, the Litter Picking Group to Menzone, the Indoors Bowls Club to the Community Fridge and the History Society to the Sarah Louise Ashworth Dance School, to name just a few.

"In the old days there was the joyous Kirkbymoorside Carnival, remembered very fondly by many, but as there is no longer one event dedicated to just celebrating Kirkbymoorside and the amazing people who live here, Kirkbymoorside Town Council have decided to rectify that with a dedicated ‘Town Celebration and Community Awards’ day. This will take place on Saturday, October 12 in the Memorial Hall and town centre.

Cllr Illingsworth added: "Kirkbymoorside organisations have been invited to showcase their contributions to the town, the wonderful Kirkbymoorside Town Band will play, and there will be children’s activities and refreshments for sale. To add to the atmosphere in the town there will flower exhibitions in the churches, and local shops and business will be invited to compete for an award for the best window display.

"On the evening of the same day, the event will step up a notch with the Community Awards Ceremony (‘The Kirkby’s’), with a short band concert and light refreshments for the invited guests."

Awards will be for the following categories:

• The voluntary organisation / charity of the year

• The membership group of the year

• The ‘quiet contributor’ of the year

• The young person of the year,

There may also be a fifth award at the Town Council’s discretion.

Cllr Illingsworth added: "It’s up to residents of Kirkbymoorside to nominate organisations, charities, groups and individuals for the four main awards.

Award Nomination Forms and Guidance Notes are available on the Council’s website https://www.kirkbymoorsidetowncouncil.gov.uk/ and in paper format from Kirkbymoorside Community Library. The three shortlisted winners in each category, along with the first person who nominated them, will be invited to the award ceremony.

Nominations close at 5pm on Friday 6th September 2024, but for a chance to be at the award ceremony, Kirkbymoorside residents shouldn’t wait to get nominations in for the organisation, charity or person who they think deserves recognition for their contributions to our town.