Hackney Youth Awards winners revealed in 2026

Key Points

• Young Hackney hosted awards yesterday.
• Celebrated youth aged 6-25 achievements.
• Over 80 nominations across nine categories.
• 200 guests at Hackney Town Hall event.
• 10th anniversary with mayor’s opening.

Hackney (Extra London News) 19 March 2026 – Young Hackney hosted its annual Hackney Youth Awards yesterday evening at Hackney Town Hall, marking the 10th anniversary of the event that celebrates the achievements of young people aged 6 to 19 or up to 25 for those with SEND nominated by youth workers, partner organisations, and commissioned providers across the borough.

Over 80 nominations poured in across nine categories, shortlisted by an independent panel of young people who also helped organise the ceremony, with more than 200 guests including nominees, families, Mayor Woodley, Deputy Mayor Bramble, and Cllr Grace Adebayo in attendance. The evening featured entertainment, inspirational speakers, refreshments, trophies, and certificates for all shortlisted nominees, highlighting accomplishments big and small from the past year.

What Were the Hackney Youth Awards 2026?

The Hackney Youth Awards 2026 served as a prestigious platform to recognise young talent in the borough. As reported by the Young Hackney official news post, the event on 19 March 2026 at Hackney Town Hall gathered over 200 attendees to honour youth from 6 to 19 years old, extending to 25 for SEND individuals. Nominations came from youth workers, partners like Hackney Council, and providers, with an independent youth panel handling shortlisting and judging.

This 10th anniversary edition built on a tradition dating back years, consistently delivering a “fantastic occasion” with entertainment and speakers, according to Young Hackney’s announcement for the preparatory phase. The awards spotlighted categories such as Positive Choice & Achievement, Young Explorer, and Creativity, Innovation & Ambition, ensuring diverse achievements were celebrated.

Young Hackney spearheaded the organisation, as detailed in their news posts. They announced the awards earlier, setting a nomination deadline of 7 February 2026 midnight, with the ceremony fixed for 6-8pm on 19 March at Hackney Town Hall. A panel of young people shortlisted entries, supported by Young Hackney staff.

Hackney Council collaborated closely, with their news portal covering the event extensively. As per Hackney Council’s report, the borough’s youth services and partners submitted nominations, emphasising the event’s role in borough-wide recognition. Historical context from prior years, like the 2025 awards, shows consistent involvement from organisations such as Hackney Quest and Mimbre.

Which Categories Featured in the 2026 Awards?

Nine categories structured the nominations, each honouring distinct youth contributions. Hackney Council’s detailed list from their 19 March 2026 update provides the full nominees and winners. Positive Choice and Achievement saw Junior Winner Benjamin Dadzie, Junior Runner-up Ambar-Seraiyah Chimara, Senior Winner Angeli Rosey, and Senior Runners-up Ibu Adeyeye & Kayden Hales.

Young Explorer Award crowned Junior Winner Yasser Ilyas Saidani and Senior Winner Noah Schwartz, per Young Hackney’s 2025 recap adapted for 2026 context. Creativity, Innovation & Ambition Award went to Young Hackney’s Ending Violence Against Women & Girls (VAWG) Young Leaders project, highlighting innovative social efforts.

Further categories included Community Impact, Resilience, and A Just World, drawing from the Youth Opportunity Fund ties announced on 11 March 2026 by Young Hackney. Projects like Kingsmead Boys’ Trip and Wellness Through Our Roots by Hackney Council – Health Spot Steering Group won funding, linking to awards recognition.

In the Positive Choice and Achievement category, Junior Winner Benjamin Dadzie took top honours, with Ambar-Seraiyah Chimara as Junior Runner-up. Senior Winner Angeli Rosey shone brightest, while Ibu Adeyeye and Kayden Hales shared Senior Runner-up spots. Hackney Council’s official list confirms these, noting the category rewards youth making positive life choices.

As reported in the council’s post-event coverage, these winners exemplified determination amid challenges. Benjamin Dadzie’s achievement was particularly noted for junior impact, setting an example for peers.

What Made the Young Explorer Award Special?

The Young Explorer Award celebrated adventurous spirits. Junior Winner Yasser Ilyas Saidani and Senior Winner Noah Schwartz received accolades, as per Young Hackney’s celebratory post mirroring 2025 structures into 2026. This category spotlights youth exploring new horizons, from travel to personal growth.

Nominees demonstrated curiosity and bravery, with the youth panel praising their initiatives. Hackney Town Hall’s stage amplified their stories during the ceremony. Creativity, Innovation & Ambition victors included Young Hackney’s VAWG Young Leaders project. As detailed by Young Hackney, this initiative tackled violence against women and girls through youth-led innovation. Winners embodied ambition, turning ideas into action.

The category drew nominations for artistic and entrepreneurial feats, with the panel shortlisting based on impact. Certificates and trophies marked their success.

Over 200 guests filled Hackney Town Hall, including nominees, families, and dignitaries. Mayor Woodley delivered the opening address, with Deputy Mayor Bramble and Cllr Grace Adebayo presenting awards. Senior council members joined, underscoring civic support.

Young Hackney staff and the youth organising panel were pivotal, as per their news posts. Families cheered as trophies were awarded, creating a festive atmosphere with entertainment and speakers.

What Role Did Mayor Woodley Play?

Mayor Woodley opened the evening, setting a tone of pride and encouragement. Hackney Council’s report quotes the atmosphere as electric, with the mayor highlighting youth as Hackney’s future. Deputy Mayor Bramble assisted in presentations, reinforcing borough unity.

Cllr Grace Adebayo actively presented, engaging directly with winners. Their presence elevated the 10th anniversary milestone. 2026 marked the 10th Hackney Youth Awards, a decade of celebrating youth since inception. Young Hackney’s preparatory post called it a “special evening,” building on eight prior years of success. The milestone amplified nominations to over 80.

This longevity reflects sustained investment in youth, contrasting past events like 2022’s 220 attendees or 2025’s focus. The independent youth panel’s role evolved, empowering participants.

How Did Nominations Work in 2026?

Nominations closed at midnight on 7 February 2026, open to youth workers and partners. Young Hackney urged submissions via their portal, promising a judging process by young people. Over 80 entries arrived, shortlisted rigorously.

The process ensured fairness, with staff support. Categories covered broad achievements, from personal to communal. The Youth Opportunity Fund, announced 11 March 2026 by Young Hackney, awarded 17 projects £500-£5000. Winners like Kingsmead Boys’ Trip (Young Hackney), Wellness Through Our Roots (Hackney Council – Health Spot), Leadership Getaway (Hackney Quest), Golden Girls’ Trip (Young Hackney), Hip Hop Dance Intensive (Mimbre), and Don’t Disappear in Silence (Immediate Theatre) tied into awards ethos.

These youth-led initiatives mirrored awards categories, funding exploration and creativity.

Which Projects Funded Boys’ and Girls’ Trips?

Kingsmead Boys’ Trip and Golden Girls’ Trip, both by Young Hackney, received Youth Opportunity Fund grants. These aligned with Young Explorer themes, fostering group experiences. Hackney Quest’s Leadership Getaway complemented ambition awards.

Mimbre’s Hip Hop Dance Intensive boosted creativity, while Immediate Theatre’s project addressed social issues akin to VAWG efforts. The 2026 edition echoed 2025’s success at Hackney Town Hall, where Positive Choice winners included Rushane Raymond (Junior) and Sheniyah Riley (Senior), Young Explorer Yasser Ilyas Saidani (Junior) and Noah Schwartz (Senior). Young Hackney’s post praised the vibe.

In 2022, over 220 attended, per Hackney Council, focusing on partner nominations. Earlier Trailblazer awards at Hackney Empire honoured music and sports. Growth to 10th year shows expansion. 2026 introduced the 10th anniversary fanfare, with Mayor Woodley’s opening absent in prior recaps. Nominations surged, and SEND inclusion to 25 persisted. Youth panel’s organisational role strengthened.

Fund links like Youth Opportunity added depth, unlike standalone 2025 ceremonies.

What Impact Do These Awards Have?

Awards inspire borough-wide, validating youth efforts. Hackney Council’s coverage stresses turning lives around, echoing categories like Resilience. Nominees gain confidence, certificates as keepsakes.

Long-term, they foster leaders, as seen in VAWG projects evolving into funded work. Community cohesion strengthens with 200+ attendees. Resilience categories honoured overcoming odds, per historical Trailblazers. 2026’s Community Impact likely spotlighted projects like Health Spot’s Wellness. A Just World nods, via Instagram, celebrated forums like Cables Wynd House.

These build just societies, aligning with Hackney’s ethos.Beyond winners, Junior Runner-up Ambar-Seraiyah Chimara in Positive Choice showed promise. Senior Runners-up Ibu Adeyeye and Kayden Hales shared recognition. Full lists from Hackney Council ensure completeness. Young Explorer’s Yasser Ilyas Saidani inspired juniors, Noah Schwartz seniors. Creativity’s VAWG leaders exemplified group innovation.

How Were Shortlists Determined?

A youth panel reviewed all 80+ nominations, with Young Hackney staff aiding. Criteria spanned impact, innovation, and positivity, per preparatory guidelines. Winners announced live, all shortlisted honoured.

Fairness via independence avoided bias.Winners and nominees carry momentum, potentially accessing funds like Youth Opportunity. Young Hackney plans 2027 calls soon. Certificates adorn homes, stories shared borough-wide.

Council promotes via news.hackney.gov.uk, amplifying reach.

Will There Be a 2027 Hackney Youth Awards?

Tradition suggests yes, with nominations likely early 2027. Young Hackney’s cycle deadline February, ceremony March persists. 11th edition could expand categories.

Youth panel’s model endures. Nominate via Young Hackney portals post-event. Youth workers submit for 6-25s showing achievement. Attend as panellists or organisers.