THE Ulster Architectural Heritage have announced that Dery’ss Guildhall will host their prestigious Heritage Angel NI Awards on Tuesday, November 6.The initiative, funded by Derry City and Strabane District Council and the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation, is administered by the Ulster Architectural Heritage who made the announcement at a launch event in St Augustine’s Church in the city this week.
The Awards seek to celebrate the efforts of people who go to extraordinary lengths to protect, save and share their local heritage.
They also recognise those who champion their local heritage by sharing and practising forgotten craft skills as well as acknowledging young people’s efforts to learn about heritage.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Maolíosa McHugh, welcomed the news that the awards were coming to the city for the first time.
“I am delighted that the city will be hosting this prestigious awards ceremony later this year and the Guildhall’s Main Hall will prove a fitting backdrop to the event,” he said.
“The Heritage Angel Awards are an ideal way to recognise and acknowledge the selfless contribution of many groups and individuals to promote and celebrate our local heritage, work that often goes unseen behind the scenes.
“I look forward to the event coming to our council area for the first time and I would encourage anyone who knows of a deserving nominee to apply now through the awards website.”
Nicola McVeigh, Chief Executive, Ulster Architectural Heritage Society added: “UAH is delighted to launch the second Heritage Angel Awards in Northern Ireland and welcomes support for them from the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation and Derry and Strabane District Council.
“The success of the 2017 Awards demonstrated the high level of activity and interest in local heritage and we hope by highlighting these achievements many more people will become involved in heritage projects.
Andrew Lloyd Webber, who founded the Historic England Angel Awards in 2011, said: “I applaud everyone who enters the Angel Awards and showcases their heritage rescues.
“I am particularly pleased that Wales is on board this year so the Angel Awards are running for the first time in all four home nations.
“They shine a light on the special individuals and groups who tackle difficult historic buildings and sites at risk across the UK and inspire others to get involved.
“I am also excited to announce that at the awards ceremony in London this year, we will be presenting a special award to the overall winner from all the Angel Award categories in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, so I encourage everyone to come forward and send in their applications.”
The Awards have been running successfully in England and Scotland for a number of years, with Wales coming on board in 2018.
This year’s five categories include, Best Rescue of an Historic Building or Place for projects under £5m, Best Major Regeneration of an historic building or place for projects in excess of £5m, Best Contribution to a Heritage Project by Young People, Best Craftsperson or Apprentice on a Heritage Rescue or Repair Project and Best Heritage Research, Interpretation or Recording.
Nominations and applications are now open and will close on Friday 1st June.
A team of heritage experts will have the tough task of whittling down shortlists for each category and a panel of judges will choose the eventual winners.
The award winner for each category will then move forward to represent Northern Ireland for the chance to be crowned overall Heritage Angel at a high profile ceremony in late November in London.
For full details on how to apply to the 2018 Heritage Angel Awards NI or nominate someone else for an award please visit www.heritageangelawards-ni.org.uk/
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