Luton’s Best Awards

On 10th and 11th June, the Love Luton Partnership hosted two smaller-scale Luton’s Best 2020 events marking the outstanding achievements of our local heroes.

In partnership with Love Luton, the Luton’s Best Awards celebrate the achievements of truly remarkable individuals and organisations who make Luton a better place. The last year has been like no other seen before. COVID-19 has had an impact on everyone in some way, but since the start of the pandemic, the town has seen some of the most incredible acts of kindness and selflessness across Luton.

The Luton’s Best awards mission has always been to shine a light on the unsung heroes in the community. The health crisis has seen everyone pull together, and as such, the Love Luton partnership felt it was more important than ever to recognise the outstanding individuals and organisations in our community. Due to COVID restrictions, Love Luton could not host its normal award ceremony but instead held a number of smaller-scale events meeting individuals and organisations in a COVID secure and safe way.

Linsey Frostick, Chairperson for Love Luton, said, “Due to the third national lockdown, we had delayed the judging and awards, as we were keen to meet the nominees, celebrate their achievements and formally say thank you. Planning these smaller-scale events allowed us to recognise the outstanding heroes in our community and in a safe and comfortable environment. The stories of our winners and runners up are truly awe-inspiring, and I felt very privileged as Chair to lead this two-day event and recognise the amazing individuals and organisations who really make Luton a great place to live, work and have fun.”

“I would also like to pay tribute to the late Paul Fuller, Chief Fire Officer for Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. Paul was always a huge part of our Luton’s Best Awards. He was sadly missed at our ceremony, and our future events won’t be the same without him. Paul was a fantastic community person and an absolute gentleman. On behalf of Love Luton, we send our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues”.

Scott Eastwood and Fiona Martin who won the 2020 Outstanding Citizen Award for their work leading the COVID-19 Luton Action Group said “We are humbled and honoured to be recognised by Love Luton and the panel for our work during the COVID-19 pandemic. When we accepted this award it wasn’t for just us, but for everyone who helped neighbours and friends, shared fact-checked information, stepped up to support their community and brought out the best of Luton.

The pandemic showed the power of the Luton community and what we have to be proud of, we shouldn’t forget that as we move towards the easing of restrictions and instead build on that as a stepping stone for changing the lives of every Lutonian for the better.”

The general public still has until the 30th of June to vote for their People’s Choice Award winner. This is being conducted via the Luton News website www.lutontoday.co.uk. The winner will be announced on 15th July.

The full list of Luton’s Best categories, winners and runners up are listed below.