Northern Devon's incredible creative sectors were celebrated on Friday 28 March at the inaugural Flourishing Culture Awards.
Nominees and guests attended the ceremony at The Park Hotel, Barnstaple, which recognised the innovation, talent and hard work that drives culture across the region. The awards celebrate people, groups, and organisations who have made a significant impact on the cultural life of our communities in North Devon and Torridge.
Musical performances on the evening came from Sorrelli Strings, Tamsin Ball and The Greater Good, and there was a dance performance from SwitchFrame.
The award winners were:
- Arts in education, sponsored by Centre Stage School: Katherine Lockett
- Crafts: Target Devon
- Digital, film and moving image, sponsored by Devon Film Logistics: Jo Stewart-Smith and Amanda McCormack for 'Boat Stories'
- Diversity and inclusion: Sunrise Diversity
- Heritage, sponsored by Pearce Construction: Emily Wapshott and John Eeles for ‘Dig the Castle’
- Innovation, sponsored by Devon Film Logistics: Mandy Harding for The Benita Project
- Sport: Coastal Swim Coaching
- Literature: Pat Glover and the Schools Team for the Appledore Book Festival;
- Performing arts sponsored by Landmark Theatres: Barnstaple Fringe TheatreFest
- Rural community engagement: Peter Robinson for ‘Molton Monthly’
- Visual Arts: Ilfracombe Art Trail
- Special Recognition Award - sponsored by Dartington Crystal: Peter Christie
The Special Recognition Award went to the late Peter Christie, who died in 2024 at the age of 73. The award, which was accepted by his family, honoured the legacy of the late historian, who wrote, co-wrote or edited 41 books on northern Devon's history, and contributed more than 1,000 articles in the North Devon Journal and North Devon Gazette in which he shared his vast knowledge of local history.
Head of Place, Property and Regeneration at North Devon Council, Sarah-Jane Mackenzie-Shapland, said: "Congratulations to all the winners and nominees, who do such incredible work in contributing to and enhancing culture in our communities. We are incredibly lucky to have a vibrant cultural scene in northern Devon and it has been a pleasure to celebrate it and shine a spotlight on the fantastic work that goes on every day.
"These awards were set up to raise the profile of our local creative industries and we are delighted with how the inaugural event has been received. We would like to thank everyone who has made it possible, including our event sponsors."
Economic Development Manager at Torridge District Council, Chris Fuller, said: "Well done to everyone involved in this inaugural event! It is fantastic to see such a wide range of talent and innovation across North Devon and Torridge. We were particularly moved to see the late Torridge District councillor, Peter Christie, honoured for his remarkable contributions to local history.
“These awards are not just a celebration of those who have already made a valuable contribution, but they also aim to inspire others to engage and get involved in the future. We hope to see even more participants in next year’s awards!"
The event is part of North Devon Council and Torridge District Council’s Flourishing Culture Strategy, which was adopted and launched by North Devon and Torridge District Councils in October 2022. It aims to improve people’s access to arts, support local economic growth through culture and safeguard vital local collections for future generations. The strategy sets out the value that culture brings to northern Devon, the aspiration for what it could be, and some suggested actions for raising the ambition, sustainability and impact of culture in all its forms across the region.
The event was funded by North Devon Council via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, along with contributions from award sponsors: Centre Stage School, Devon Film Logistics, Pearce Construction, Landmark Theatres and Dartington Crystal.
Businesses interested in sponsoring future events to receive an award in the company's name should contact culture@northdevon.gov.uk.