An awards show that celebrates equality, diversity, and inclusion across Cumbria will return for its fifth year in 2021 after being postponed due to Covid-19.

The Diverse Cumbria Awards will once again return to The Halston in Carlisle in May next year to showcase the inclusivity work people have been doing right across the county.

In previous years, at least one organisation from each district has been nominated for one of the awards.

Organiser Ben Vollans said: “After being a bit disheartened having to postpone this year’s Diverse Cumbria Awards, I am delighted to announce our new date for our five-year anniversary for 2021.

“Planning is in full swing again and I have kept nominations open this entire time, so the judges will have lots to read through.

“I’m so excited that we are getting to put on our fifth year to celebrate these amazing people and organisations in Cumbria doing the most incredible work.

“I honestly can’t wait for the night; it’s one of the highlights of my year.”

In next year’s awards there will be nine categories for individuals, businesses and organisations to scoop an award in.

They are: business champion; diversity event of the year; educational champion; organisation champion; positive role model; positive young person; public sector champion; volunteer champion; and the lifetime achievement award.

Previous winners have included: Cumbria Pride; the Triple A Project; The Cumbrian Refugee Volunteer Champions; and the Kendal Unity Festival.

A spokesperson for the lead sponsor, Sellafield Ltd, said: “Sellafield Ltd are delighted to support the Diverse Cumbria Awards again in 2021. We have seen these awards grow and develop and can’t wait for the fifth year.

“While Covid-19 has brought enormous challenge and heartache in 2020, it has also allowed us to see so many people stepping forwards to make a difference in and for their communities.

“These awards give us the opportunity to recognise those contributions.”