The Journal has teamed up with an organisation dedicated to celebrating the best of the North East to revive a much-loved award.
The Northumbrian Association each year gives out the Hotspur Award to an individual and an organisation that have, “through bold endeavour”, done something to significantly benefit or raise the profile of the North East.
Winners of the award – who receive a silver spur named after Harry Hotspur, the son of the first Earl of Northumberland – have in the past included Beamish Museum founder Frank Atkinson, the Duchess of Northumberland, Sir Bobby Robson and folk musician Kathryn Tickell.
The award was last presented in 2017 and now it is to be revived and presented at the North East Business Executive Awards, an event organised by The Journal which is one of the key fixtures on the region’s social calendar.
Nominations are now being sought for candidates to be considered for this year’s award, with members of the public asked to suggest potential winners, along with a brief explanation of why they should be considered.
Northumbrian Association chair Richard Evans said: “The Northumbrian Association is delighted to be working with The Journal for this year’s Hotspur Award.
“The Association aims to promote and celebrate the heritage and culture of our great region.
“The Hotspur Award is given to a person or an organisation that has done something to significantly benefit or raise the profile of the North East.
“Working with The Journal feels like a natural partnership for the Association – a really good way to increase awareness of the Hotspur Award and celebrate success in our fantastic region with more people.”
The prize will be awarded at the North East Business Executive Awards, which take place at Newcastle’s Boiler Shop on November 13.
The winner will join an illustrious list of previous recipients, which includes Alan Shearer, Angel of the North sculptor Antony Gormley, Brendan Foster and writer Lee Hall. Organisations that have been honoured include Sage Gateshead, the Royal Fusiliers/the Rifles, and Nissan.
Nominations for potential winners can be made to info@northumbrianassociation.com. As well as suggesting names, people are asked to include a short explanation of why their nominee should win the award.
