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You are here - Heritage Angel Awards Northern Ireland 2021 is Declared Open for Applications and Nominations.

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Heritage Angel Awards Northern Ireland 2021 is Declared Open for Applications and Nominations.

Following last year’s sabbatical, the fourth Heritage Angel Awards NI was launched this week. The virtual event hosted by Wendy Austin featured special guests singer/songwriters Brigid O’Neill, Anthony Toner and poet Maria McManus who performed bespoke pieces from previous Angel Award ceremonies based on the built heritage and history of Belfast, Derry~Londonderry and Armagh. 

The scheme funded by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation and the Department for Communities is led by Ulster Architectural Heritage. 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 heritage by sharing and practising traditional skills. In addition they celebrate young people, recognising their efforts to learn about heritage.
Melanie Hamill and Andrew Rooney, two of the winners from the 2019 Awards also joined proceedings to reflect on their experience.  Melanie for Best Rescue of a Historic Building or Place spoke of the challenges and outcomes of the successful restoration of Strangford Presbyterian Church, once on the verge of complete dereliction to its current five star holiday accommodation condition. Andrew who along with his brother Brian won the Best Craftsmanship or Apprentice on a Heritage Rescue or Repair Project, talked about his family’s multi-generational involvement and love for the project with their restoration of the iconic Mourne Wall.
This year’s six categories include:

  • Best Maintenance of a Historic Building or Place
  • Best Rescue of an Historic Building or Place - Under £1m   
  • Best Major Regeneration of an Historic Building or Place – Over £1m
  • Best Contribution to a Heritage Project by Young People
  • Best Craftsmanship or Apprenticeship on a Heritage Rescue or Repair Project
  • Best Research, Interpretation or Recording of a Historic Building or Place
Nominations and applications are now open and will close on Friday 31 May.  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 who will be announced at the Heritage Angels Awards NI ceremony in November this year.
 
The project is lead funded by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation and the Department for Communities: Historic Environment Division in 2021. Delivered in partnership with the Construction Industry Training Board, National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Architectural Heritage Fund, the Heritage Trust Network and the Institute of Historic Building Conservation.  
 
For full details on how to apply to the 2021 Heritage Angel Awards NI or nominate someone else for an award please visit www.heritageangelawards-ni.org.uk/
 
Nicola McVeigh, Chief Executive, Ulster Architectural Heritage Society
‘UAH is excited to launch the fourth Heritage Angel Awards Northern Ireland in 2021 and welcomes support for them from the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation and the Department for Communities.  
We are delighted to return to celebrating the achievements of those who repair, rescue, regenerate and record built heritage in Northern Ireland and look forward the Angel Awards ceremony in November. The success of previous Heritage Angel 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 projects to help built heritage in Northern Ireland into the future.’
Andrew Lloyd Webber, who founded the Historic England Angel Awards in 2011, said:
‘Architecture is the most vulnerable art form and one that I have been passionate about all my life. I am delighted my Foundation can support the Heritage Angel Awards in Northern Ireland again in 2021 and help shine a spotlight on those who have made a significant contribution towards protecting the country’s heritage.’
Deirdre Hargey, Minister for Communities, said:
‘I am delighted that my Department has been able to support this event via its Historic Environment Fund. As we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, it is important that we take time to celebrate the efforts of those who have invested effort, passion, and money into our built heritage and of those who have quietly maintained historic buildings to a high standard. 
Heritage can help reinforce our pride of place, contribute to our wellbeing, help tourism to recover, and allow skilled jobs to be sustained.
These awards help to show us what our community, at its best, can deliver. They are an important reminder of the potential that exists in this area as we prepare to face the challenges ahead.’
Keep up to date with the latest from the Heritage Angel Awards NI on Twitter and Facebook at @ulsterahs