North Devon celebrates its creative sectors at Flourishing Culture Awards

The inaugural Flourishing Culture Awards took place in Barnstaple on Friday 28 March, celebrating the diverse creative achievements of individuals and groups across North Devon and Torridge.

Held at The Park Hotel, the ceremony honoured those who have made a significant contribution to the cultural scene in the region. 

The awards recognise a wide range of sectors, from the arts and education to heritage, digital media, and community projects.

The evening featured musical performances from Sorrelli Strings, Tamsin Ball, and The Greater Good, as well as a dance performance by SwitchFrame, showcasing the variety of talent in the area.

The winners of the awards were as follows:

• 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 DiversityHeritage (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 Arts Trail
• Special Recognition Award (sponsored by Dartington Crystal): Peter Christie

The Special Recognition Award was posthumously awarded to Peter Christie, a local historian who passed away in 2024. 

The award, accepted by his family, celebrated his lasting contribution to the understanding of North Devon's history, through books and articles that shaped local knowledge.

Sarah-Jane Mackenzie-Shapland, Head of Place, Property and Regeneration at North Devon Council, congratulated all the winners and nominees, saying: “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.”

Chris Fuller, Economic Development Manager at Torridge District Council, added: “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 the Flourishing Culture Strategy, launched by North Devon and Torridge District Councils in 2022, which aims to promote local cultural growth and preserve the region's cultural heritage.

The awards were funded by North Devon Council via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and supported by several local sponsors, including Centre Stage School, Devon Film Logistics, Pearce Construction, Landmark Theatres, and Dartington Crystal.