There is no charge to enter the North East Culture Awards.

You may enter as many categories as you wish, but you must complete a separate submission for each category.

Once you have submitted your entry you will receive an email confirming that we have received your nomination.

Entries can only be accepted from individuals, organisations, community groups, businesses etc who are based in the North East of England.

Information provided in the entry form will be viewed by the judging panel. Shortlisted finalists will have a short biography about them added to the awards website which will be based on the content of their submitted entry form. Therefore, if your entry contains confidential information that you do want to be shared please email the event manager with the details immediately.

Entries will close at 5pm on Monday 28th September 2026. If entries are submitted after this deadline they may not be included in the judging packs.

The judging will take place on Monday 19th October 2026. All finalists will be contacted by email or telephone shortly after this date.

A distinguished panel of experts will meet to choose the finalists. 

Winners will be announced on Thursday 26 November at a special awards ceremony taking place at Stockton Globe Theatre.

The dress code is smart / casual.

Stockton Globe Theatre does not have any accommodation onsite, but please email the event manager who can advise of any nearby hotels. 

Stockton Globe Theatre has been designed with accessibility in mind and offers a range of facilities for patrons with mobility needs. The venue features step-free entrances, wheelchair-accessible bars (with the exception of the Circle Bar), and designated wheelchair spaces on every level of the theatre.

The stage is also fully accessible via a platform lift. Any finalists who require step-free access to the stage will be able to use the platform lift with assistance from the venue team if needed.

If you are a wheelchair user or have any other access requirements, please let the event organisers know in advance so they can ensure the appropriate arrangements are in place to support your visit.

There are several public car parks located within a 10-minute walking distance of the venue including Wellington Square, Riverside and Bishop Street car parks.

Wellington Square car park is open late to accommodate our guests and is completely free. Normal charges will apply during shopping centre opening hours. On return to your vehicle, the pay machines will be out of service and the exit barriers will be raised for ease of exit.

For customers requiring blue badge parking, there is blue badge parking on Church Road and The Square opposite the venue. There is also blue badge parking in Wellington Square car park and Bath Lane North car park, both have step free routes to the venue.

A map of Wellington Square Car Park and the full list of Stockton town centre car parks can be downloaded here: Wellington Square, Stockton Town Centre Car Park.

Please note: Stockton's Christmas light switch-on is taking place at 6.30pm on the same night so the car parks and roads will be busier than normal. If attending the awards, please allow extra travel time and consider public transport if possible.

All the seats in the main auditorium have a row and seat number - you will be allocated a designated seat and informed of this upon arrival.  Staff and volunteers will be on hand to help you find a seat on the night.

We are able to provide you with a partnership media pack which provides detailed information about the extensive benefits and opportunities available this year. For more information email dawn@hold-events.co.uk or lesley@hold-events.co.uk. 

If you have queries relating to the categories, criteria, eligibility for entry, or anything relating to the content of your submission, please contact:

Dawn Owens | dawn@hold-events.co.uk / 07789 666437

Lesley Hampson | lesley@hold-events.co.uk / 07748 908058