Norwich Castle Turning Purple to Celebrate Community Heroes
In a momentous event marking the first public gathering in the newly renovated keep of Norwich Castle, the BBC Radio Norfolk Make A Difference Awards will take place, showcasing the remarkable efforts of individuals and groups dedicated to enhancing their communities. This year’s awards will spotlight eight different categories, celebrating achievements from Great Neighbours to Community Groups.
One exciting addition for the 2025 ceremony is the introduction of the Young Hero Award, which acknowledges the contributions of young people under the age of 16 who have positively affected their neighborhoods. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of youth contributions to community welfare.
Terry Underhill, the executive editor of BBC Radio Norfolk, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, calling it the “highlight of our year.” He emphasized the importance of these awards in recognizing “extraordinary work happening across Norfolk” and the opportunity they provide to connect with “some of the most caring, generous, and inspiring people in our community.”
The awards ceremony will be held in a remarkable setting, with Norwich Castle recently undergoing a substantial transformation costing £27.5 million. This renovation encompassed restoring original floor levels in the Grade I listed keep and recreating the grand hall—efforts that have made the castle a striking venue for the prestigious event. August saw the official reopening of the keep to the public, and the BBC awards will be the first external event held there since this significant renovation.
In a festive display to honor the occasion, the exterior of Norwich Castle will be illuminated in purple, symbolizing the celebration of community spirit and heroism. Chris Burns, BBC’s head of audio commissioning, remarked on the profound impact of the Make A Difference Awards: “Each year, the Make a Difference Awards remind us just how many incredible people are out there quietly transforming lives.” With thousands of nominations submitted this year, the narratives surrounding these unsung heroes have been deeply inspiring.
Finalists of the 2025 Make A Difference Awards
| Award Category | Nominees |
|---|---|
| Volunteer Award | Ian Smith, North Norfolk Railway Youth Development Club, Mike Potter & Peter Wood, Witness Service, John Dolamore, Community First Responder, Oksana Hrytsenko, Parent Champion |
| Young Hero Award | Austin Foster, Mason Martindale, Mateo Skinner-Pelaz, Rory Bendon |
| Great Neighbour Award | Angela French, Ann Reeve, Gerard Knight, Keith & Carol Froude |
| Active Award | Lauren Rackham, No Limits Norfolk, Norfolk Knights Wheelchair Rugby Club, Ruby Bishop, Walk & Talk EA |
| Animal Award | Hobson & Penel, Lexi Nicol, Michael Envy with Bella & Bear, Sue Cole with Suzy |
| Green Award | Amaya Edwards, Countryside Litter Pickers, Doreen Cochrane, North Norfolk Wombles |
| Fundraiser Award | Jayne Biggs, Heart2Heart Norfolk, Jon & Amanda Sheehy, Amber’s Army, Ladies in League Against Cancer, Nick Loades, Ellie’s Love, King’s Lynn Deaf Coffee Morning, North Walsham Good Neighbours, Welney Coffee Social, Women’s Only Project, Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney |
The BBC Radio Norfolk Make A Difference Awards stand as a testament to the profound impact of community involvement, reminding us all of the tireless efforts made by individuals dedicated to improving the lives of those around them. The event promises to be a memorable celebration of selflessness and community resilience, shining a spotlight on those who embody the spirit of giving and collaboration.
