Creative Lives AwardsCelebrating the achievements of community-led creative groups The Creative Lives Awards celebrate the creative groups that enhance people's lives in villages, towns, and cities across the UK and Ireland. Since 2010, we've invited community-led groups to share their activities and achievements, so that we can give them a well-deserved moment in the spotlight. Our Award winners all use creativity to bring people together. Groups might take part in singing, dancing, painting, crafting, performing, playing music, or any other creative activity. All of them provide vital opportunities for people to find community, express their creativity, make friends, learn new skills, boost their wellbeing - and have fun together! The 2024 Creative Lives Awards shortlist is now online. Read all about them and vote for your favourite! A Celebration of Humanity Want to learn more about the Creative Lives Awards? You can read about some of our previous winners below and the wonderful work they do, or check out a list of our recent winners here. We hope they will inspire you to tell us all about your group! Grand Northern Ukulele Festival During the pandemic, the Grand Northern Ukulele Festival reached out to vulnerable elderly groups at risk of isolation. The festival’s volunteer team worked in partnership with care home staff to provide fun and entertainment safely. Their four virtual variety shows came with a songbook so everyone could sing along. The volunteers devised performances that would engage with audiences by choosing songs, costumes and backdrops they would connect with. The administrative volunteers ensured audiences had songbooks, instruments and noisemakers to take part, as well as making sure care home staff and carers knew what to expect. Volunteers also ensured money was available for instrument hire, insurance and Zoom licenses. Following one concert, a carer reported: "It was as if the pandemic wasn't happening - she was happy, engaged and singing along. It made her world better and it made my day better as her carer. Please do more!" Learn more about the Grand Northern Ukulele Festival Website Facebook Twitter Instagram Vote for this group Create your own user feedback survey Manage Cookie Preferences