Thursday 21 May at The McMillan Theatre
Shining a light on Somerset’s extraordinary young people
The Pride of Somerset Youth Awards (PoSYA) honours remarkable achievements of young individuals throughout the county who have made their families, friends, or community proud.
The awards recognise an array of accomplishments ranging from the arts, sports, music, and academics to selfless acts of caring for others and displaying courage.
All nominations can be submitted right here, on our online portal. You can learn about a specific award category below.
The Award Categories
To be eligible for an award, a nominee must be under 21 years of age as of their nomination date.
Sponsored by Morledge & Co.
This award celebrates the most outstanding contributions and accomplishments of young people within the realms of the Arts or cultural activities.
Sponsored by Taunton Round Table
A heartfelt recognition of the selflessness, compassion, and profound impact that young caregivers have on the individuals they assist.
Sponsored by Bounce Forward
Dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating young individuals who are actively engaged in promoting mental wellbeing; for themselves, and others.
Sponsored by Young Somerset
Designed to honour and celebrate the selfless young individuals or groups who have dedicated time, effort, and heart to helping others in charitable or volunteer work.
Sponsored by Thrive
Dedicated to recognising the celebrating the young individuals or groups who have performed selfless acts leading to a substantial impact on their communities.
Sponsored by School in a Bag
Recognises and celebrates the extraordinary bravery and spirit shown by young individuals who have performed acts of incredible courage.
Sponsored by Avon & Somerset Police
Named in memory of Chief Superintendent Sandy Padgett, this award recognises those who embody the spirit of commitment, service, and extraordinary achievement.
Sponsored by Somerset Larder
Designed to celebrate the exceptional talent, dedication, and success of young individuals or teams in the realm of sports.
Sponsored by The Rotary Club of Taunton
Named in memory of Peter Renshaw, this award celebrates a young person who has achieved an incredible accolade in academia and education.
Sponsored by PROMISEworks
This prestigious accolade is reserved for a young individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and achievement in their pursuits, whether in fundraising, academics, community service, or any other endeavour.
How to enter
Nominations can be completed by anyone who wants to celebrate the incredible achievements of young people in Somerset.
You should aim to answer questions factually and support any statements with evidence that showcases the contributions made.
- Choose your young hero.
- Complete the Nomination Form below.
- Submit before Sunday 15 March 2025!
What to expect
Held at Bridgwater’s fantastic McMillan Theatre, the event will feature live performances, food, drink and great conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
To be eligible, the nominee must be under the age of 21 and live, work, or study within the county of Somerset.
We look for young people who have gone above and beyond—whether through an act of bravery, long-term community service, or exceptional achievement in the arts or environment.
Absolutely. We encourage young people to take pride in their own achievements! You can also nominate siblings, children, or friends. The most important thing is to provide a detailed description of why the person deserves recognition so the judging panel has a clear picture of their impact.
If your nominee is selected as a finalist, both you and the nominee will be invited to the Celebration Event at the McMillan Theatre. You’ll receive an official invitation via email, which includes details on guests, travel support, and what to expect during the evening. Every finalist will receive a certificate and a memento of their achievement.
We recommend writing between 200 and 500 words. The best nominations focus on the “story”—don’t just list achievements, but tell us about the challenges the person overcame or the specific difference they made. If you have photos, videos, or news clippings that support your story, you can upload those alongside the form!
Principal Partners
A not-for-profit CIC dedicated to fostering a love and appreciation for the beautiful county of Somerset. We inspire and empower communities, businesses, and individuals to celebrate everything the region has to offer – its thriving economy, rich history and heritage, stunning landscapes and vibrant culture.
We bring young men aged between 18 and 45 together, to challenge, inspire and learn from each other. We share ideas openly with trust, and empower each individual to make a positive impact at home, work and in his community.
The UK’s most ambitious College Group. Formed to drive economic growth, deliver cutting-edge skills, and transform opportunities for students and communities across Somerset.
Our Sponsors
