Community Spirit Awards 2026 Event Details

Every finalist, volunteer, charity, community group and supporter in the room has already made an extraordinary difference to people across Calderdale. This evening is about celebrating you, your impact and the kindness, determination and community spirit that makes Calderdale special.

Please note, all tickets have now been sold. If you have not booked tickets through Rachel Oates at CFFC, unfortunately it is now too late to purchase tickets.

The Venue, Bowers Mill, Barkisland HX4 0AD

Timings

Arrival: 7.00 pm
Please be seated: 7.30 pm
Awards Ceremony starts: 8.30 pm
Awards Ceremony finishes: Between 9.30 pm and 10.00 pm

The bar will remain open after the ceremony for anyone who would like to stay a little longer and celebrate together, although many guests do tend to head home after the awards.

Dress code

Dress to Impress… Yourself

Traditionally the dress code has been black tie, but most importantly we want you to feel comfortable, confident and like yourself.

Whether that’s a suit, shirt and trousers, cocktail dress, ballgown or even a onesie — wear whatever makes you feel good.

If you would like to get a feel for the evening, you can view highlights videos and photos from previous years here:

https://cffc.co.uk/calderdale-community-spirit-awards-2024-gallery/

Arrival and Seating

You do not need to bring printed tickets or check in on arrival. If you have booked tickets with Rachel Oates, your place has been reserved.

A table plan will be available as you arrive so you can easily find where you are sitting, and there will be name place cards on the tables. We kindly ask everyone to take their seats by 7.30 pm.

Parking

There is parking available outside the door, behind the mill and on surrounding roads.

Guests who requested a reserved accessible parking space will already have this arranged.

Accessibility Information

We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable throughout the evening.

If you are using the lift, you will be greeted by a CFFC volunteer who will accompany you to the lift and guide you to your seat. Please note that, for insurance purposes, the lift can only be used when a member of staff is present.

You will also be shown where the accessible toilets are located.

There will be two BSL interpreters at the event and the stage is fully wheelchair accessible via the ramp on the right-hand side of the stage.

If there is anything else we can do to support you, please contact Rachel Oates in advance and we will do our very best to help.

Bar

The bar accepts both cash and card payments.

Alcohol-free options available include:

• 0% Berries and Cherries Old Mount
• Peroni 0%
• Gordons 0%
• Whitney Neill rhubarb and ginger 0%
• Captain Morgans spiced gold 0%
• 0% prosecco
• 0% white wine
• 0% red wine
• Usual soft drinks – cola, diet cola, lemonade, tonic, J2o etc

Wines that you can include at the bar include:

Whites:

• Pinot grigio
• Waipara Sauvignon
• Ocarina Sauvignon
• Sacerre
• Petit Chablis
• Rijoa Blanco

Rose:

• Whispering angel
• Pinot Blush
• Zinfandel

Red:

• Merlot
• Malbec
• Pinot noir
• Rioja
• Cotes du rhone
• Primitivo
• Barolo

Food

Sharing platters will be served to each table, with two platters per table including:

• Artisan breads
• Selection of flavoured whipped butter
• Scotch eggs
• Goats cheese and caramelised onion tarts
• Selection of finger sandwiches

If anyone on your table has dietary requirements, there may also be a separate plate prepared for them.

Please do not bring your own food onto the premises.

Quiet Room and Photo Area

The room next to the bar is called the Spinning Room and can be accessed by stairs or via the wheelchair accessible route near the lift.

This space will be available throughout the evening if you would like somewhere quieter to relax for a few moments. There are sofas available and you are also welcome to leave your coat there.

The sponsor logo wall will also be located in the Spinning Room, so please do come and have your photo taken.

If You Are a Finalist or Highly Commended…

Firstly, congratulations! Bbeing named a finalist is a huge achievement and we are incredibly proud to celebrate your contribution to our community.

During the presentations, finalists and Highly Commended guests can remain seated and enjoy the evening from their tables. At the end of the ceremony, please remember to collect your finalist or Highly Commended certificate before you leave.

If You Are a Winner…

If your name is announced by the sponsor, please make your way to the stage. There is a ramp on the right hand side of the stage and steps on the left hand side.

The sponsor will present your trophy and there will be time for photographs on stage. Our fantastic MC for the evening, Matt Jameson, will help put you at ease, you do not need to prepare a speech. Matt will simply have a short chat with you about the amazing work you do.

After leaving the stage, you will be guided with the sponsor to the Spinning Room where  photographs will be taken in front of the sponsor logo wall.

As finalist videos for the next category will be playing, we kindly ask everyone to move quietly through this area. You can then return to your table either via the stairs or accessible route.

Winners will also receive a certificate, which can be collected from the door as you leave.

The Trophies

These trophies are incredibly special and reflect the gratitude and recognition for the work our winners are doing across Calderdale.

Designed and handmade by Dr Helen Slater, each award is created using liquid 23kt gold lustre, which is screen printed to form the stars and lettering. The stars are then carefully floated within the glass at precisely the right temperature to capture both the gold elements and the tiny champagne-like bubbles inside.

Each piece is then individually ground and polished before returning to the kiln for the final front gold lettering. Sponsor logos and award details are sandblasted onto the surface before the glass is fixed into its handcrafted wooden base and finished with an engraved gold plate featuring the winner’s name and award title.

Filming and Photography

Photography and filming will take place throughout the evening for promotional and prosperity purposes.

If you do not consent to your photograph being used, please inform Rachel Oates by emailing: rachel@cffc.co.uk

Photo Gallery

A selection of photographs will be shared on our social media channels the morning after the event, with the full gallery uploaded to our website as soon as possible.

Guests will receive an email notification when the full gallery is available to view.

Highlights Video

A highlights video from the evening will also be shared on our website and social media channels after the event.

Social Media

We would love to see your photos and memories from the evening. Please feel free to share your posts and use #CommunitySpirit2026

Further Details and Support

If there is anything not covered on this page or if you have any questions at all, please contact Rachel Oates:

Email: rachel@cffc.co.uk
Phone: 07550 094913