Nottingham’s inspiring community champions were celebrated last night (Tuesday 7 October) at the 2025 Nottingham Awards, held alongside the traditional Goose Fair Dinner at the National Ice Centre.
Now in its twelfth year, the annual awards honour people who make an outstanding contribution to life in the city – from community leaders and educators to young people driving change.
Hosted by Jon Rea and featuring performances from the Robin Hood Youth Orchestra, this year’s event brought together more than 200 guests from across Nottingham’s civic, business, education and voluntary sectors.
Speaking at the event, Councillor Neghat Khan, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “The Nottingham Awards are a celebration of the people who make this city what it is – warm, generous, creative and resilient.
“Each of tonight’s winners has gone above and beyond to support others, inspire their communities and make Nottingham a better place for everyone. It was a privilege to recognise their achievements in front of so many of our partners and friends.”
The evening also featured the traditional Goose Fair Dinner, marking the 729th official opening of Nottingham’s Goose Fair – one of the city’s oldest and most beloved events. This year, the event is proudly support by local sponsor Let’s Move Nottingham.
Councillor Khan added: “Nottingham has a proud tradition of celebrating those who go the extra mile for their city. From our volunteers and educators to our community activists and cultural ambassadors, tonight’s winners represent the very best of us.”
2025 Nottingham Award winners
Posthumous Award – Tim Pollard
In June 2025, Nottingham lost one of its most recognisable figures with the passing of Tim Pollard, the city’s official Robin Hood for more than three decades. Tim’s humour, generosity and passion made him a beloved ambassador for Nottingham around the world. His posthumous award was presented to his daughter Scarlett Pollard, in recognition of a lifetime spent bringing joy and civic pride to others.
Kelise Knowles
A passionate advocate for children in care and care leavers, Kelise Knowles co-chairs Nottingham’s Corporate Parenting Board and mentors young people across the city. Her leadership and lived experience are helping to shape Child Friendly Nottingham, the Care Leaver Local Offer, and the Families First programme — making sure young voices are heard and acted on.
Shanine Fasasi
Community leader Shanine Fasasi has built transformative programmes through Beechdale Community Centre, from “Dads and Lads” football and “StrongHer Together” sessions to her Monday Breakfast Club and Hot Meal Wednesdays. Her work tackles social isolation, celebrates culture and strengthens families. This year, Shanine and her Diversify team are launching the first ‘Brother, You Good?’ men’s mental health conference, continuing her mission to empower Nottingham’s communities.
Rick Hall
Educator, author and creativity champion Rick Hall has spent over 50 years inspiring curiosity and learning across Nottingham. As founder of Ignite!, the Roundabout Theatre group and the Festival of Science and Curiosity, Rick has reached thousands of young people through art and science. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Churchill Fellow, and Child Friendly Nottingham champion, Rick continues to share his passion for creativity and education locally and internationally.
ENDS
Notes:
- The Nottingham Awards were established in 2012 to recognise individuals who make an outstanding contribution to the city.
- The Goose Fair Dinner dates back hundreds of years and is held annually to coincide with the official opening of Nottingham’s Goose Fair.
- This year’s event was held at the National Ice Centre, supported by local sponsor Let’s Move Nottingham.