BREAKING NEWS - Countryside Alliance Awards nomination period extended to Sunday 8 December

The Countryside Alliance is excited to announce that due to an incredible response from rural communities across the United Kingdom, the closing date for nominations for the 2025 Countryside Alliance Awards has been extended to Sunday 8 December 2024.

Affectionately known as the "Rural Oscars," the Awards celebrate the heart and soul of rural life, highlighting the businesses, individuals, and initiatives that make the British countryside a thriving and vibrant place to live and work. From local food and drink producers to rural enterprises and community heroes, the Awards shine a spotlight on those who go above and beyond for their communities.

Sarah Lee, Director of Policy at the Countryside Alliance, expressed excitement about the overwhelming number of entries already received.

"We’ve been truly inspired by the incredible stories of innovation, resilience, and community spirit from all corners of the countryside. Extending the nomination deadline allows even more people to share their stories and ensure that the rural gems in their area are recognised."

Thanks to this extension, there’s still time to nominate your favourite rural business, local hero or your beloved rural enterprise. Our main categories are:

• Local Food & Drink
• Rural Enterprise
• Butcher
• Pub
• Village Shop/Post Office
• Clarissa Dickson Wright Award

Nominations are simple and can be submitted easily via the Countryside Alliance website. The Awards are free to enter, and anyone passionate about rural Britain is encouraged to get involved. Don't forget, you don't have to stop at one - you can nominate as many rural businesses as you like!

Don’t miss your chance to celebrate the lifeblood of rural Britain. Submit your nomination by midnight on Sunday 8 December, and help us recognise the best of the countryside! The more we know about the business, the more it helps us when it comes to drawing up our Scottish, Welsh, Northern Ireland and English Finalists. 

For more information on how to nominate, a look into the history of the Countryside Alliance Awards, and to meet some of our previous winners, visit the Countryside Alliance website. You can also find a full breakdown of the Awards process here.