The National Church Awards – the ‘BAFTAs for churches’ – is back and bigger than ever.
Churches have an amazing story to tell – from their beautiful buildings to the dedicated volunteers who keep them open and serving local people – but they need help. With the future of many churches uncertain and under threat, there has never been a more important time to celebrate the UK’s churches and their importance to communities.
Nominations will close on July 23, 2023, with judging then taking place by church and heritage experts. The awards ceremony will take place on Monday 6 November at the fabulous Mercer’s Hall, London.
Claire Walker, Chief Exective of the National Churches Trust, said:
“Churches are the beating hearts of communities. They contribute £55 billion of economic and social good each year, bringing communities together to help them to thrive. We are excited to host an awards ceremony that showcases their importance, as well as the many other wonderful ways they contribute to society.”
“This is a great opportunity for people across the UK to join with us in celebrating local churches and their buildings.”Canon Easter, former Chaplain to the late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who hosted the awards last year, and will be returning as host this year said:
“It was a great privilege to host these awards last year. It was lovely to see churches from across the whole of the UK nominated and cheered on by their communities. But there are many more churches doing wonderful work, and I hope they will enter for an award this year.”
Churches can easily nominate themselves for an award by going to: www.nationalchurchestrust.org/awards23
For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Rachael Adams on 07742 800798 or Rachael.Adams@nationalchurchestrust.org
Photos of last year’s awards and winners: https://www.flickr.com/photos/nationalchurchestrust/albums/72177720308907221
About the National Churches Trust: National Churches Trust works in partnership with churches across the UK to keep them open and in use. Whether seeking quiet reflection, access to critical community services, a warm welcome or a place to worship, we believe churches should be loved and supported, and available to all. Working together with churches across all four nations, we help to maintain these wonderful historic buildings and keep them thriving today, and tomorrow.
About the awards: The National Church Awards brings together churches across the UK to celebrate church buildings and the amazing ways that churches enrich their local communities. Find out more and nominate your church at www.nationalchurchestrust.org/awards23
The National Church Awards is organised by the National Churches Trust in partnership with the Pilgrim Trust, Marsh Charitable Trust, the Ecclesiastical Architects & Surveyors Association and Mercers’ Company.
Last year’s winners: https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/impact/awards/winners-2022