Burnley Youth Theatre has its name up in lights when the winners of an inaugural culture awards were announced.

The winners of the Culture Burnley Awards were revealed at Burnley Mechanics Theatre on Thursday evening. 

Through co-creating projects with community partners, the youth theatre delivers work with children, young people and families who are experiencing educational, social and economic disadvantage.

Their outreach programme explores topics including toxic masculinity, anti-social behaviour and seeking asylum and their important work saw it lift the Community Award.

Its leader Karen Metcalfe, who has run the scheme for the last 10 years, won the promotion of Talent Award.

Operations Assistant Jake Brannon, a member of the theatre since the age of six, was highly commended in the Rising Star category and narrowly lost out to Reuben Lawless who has been recognised for his work with Blaze Arts and Burnley Pride.

Karen said: “It takes a lot of hard work to get people from the community coming into our building, there can be a lot of barriers, so we do a lot of work out in the schools, communities, town centres – anywhere where people are in their own spaces to overcome that.

“We are really excited to be recognised for that work, it’s an important strand in what we do.

“Personally, I’ve just left Burnley Youth Theatre after 15 years, so it was nice icing on the cake for me.

Burnley Canal Festival also had a great night which not only won the Event Award and was honoured by a surprise accolade at the end of proceedings by Burnley’s Outdoor Town Campaign Group.

Nick Hunt, Creative Director MPA said: “We are gobsmacked to win two awards; it means so much to us. We put an awful lot of work into the Burnley Canal Festival.

“A lot of what we do is to celebrate the landscape and the natural environment – and the built environment too – to focus on all the things that are special to Burnley.

“We love the Leeds-Liverpool canal!”

The awards were organised by Burnley Leisure and Culture who lauded eight organisations and individuals for their contributions to the borough’s heritage and the creative industries.

Cultural Manager, Charlotte Steels said: “We’re proud to have hosted the first Culture Burnley Awards to spotlight the fantastic cultural events, individuals, organisations projects and partnerships that happen across the borough.

“It was fabulous to see so many people come together to celebrate local culture and creativity.

“The awards are an important step in raising the profile of culture in Burnley ahead of our Year of Culture in 2027.”

The evening was hosted by radio presenter John ‘Gilly’ Gillmore and guests were treated to a meal and entertainment by local dancers and musicians, including Next Level Dance, and Burnley singer and guitarist Lewis Brindle and English folk duo Douglas and Moss.

Burnley Mayor, Shah Hussain said: ““We have a thriving cultural community, and I welcome that. What we’re seeing tonight is recognition for the many projects around the borough.

“It’s important that we recognise our culture, celebrate it and maintain it.”

Full rundown of all the winner:

Community Award: Burnley Youth Theatre

Cultural Organisation Award: Mid Pennine Arts.

Cultural Partnership: David Ridehalgh, Burnley Library.

Event Award: Burnley Canal Festival.

Independent Creative Award: Jai Redman, The Salon cultural hub on Lower St James Street.

Promotion of Talent: Award Karen Metcalfe, Burnley Youth Theatre.

Rising Star Award: Reuben Lawless, Blaze Arts, Burnley Pride.

Volunteer Award: Burnley Film Makers.