Norwich Castle turning purple to celebrate community heroes

Norwich Castle's keep reopened in August 2025 after years of restoration work

The BBC Radio Norfolk Make A Difference Awards is the first event to take place in the newly restored keep at Norwich Castle.

The event celebrates groups and individuals who make life better for others in their communities.

Winners will be announced in eight categories, including Great Neighbour, Fundraiser and Community Group.

New for 2025 is the Young Hero Award which recognizes individuals under 16 who have made a positive impact where they live.

Terry Underhill, executive editor of BBC Radio Norfolk, described the awards as the "highlight of our year".

"They give us the chance to celebrate the extraordinary work happening across Norfolk and to meet some of the most caring, generous, and inspiring people in our community," he said.

The keep has been transformed into how it would have looked during the Norman period

Norwich Castle has undergone a £27.5m transformation, including the restoration of original floor levels in the Grade I listed keep and the recreation of the great hall.

After five years of work, the keep reopened to the public in August, and the BBC awards are the first external event to take place there since the reopening.

To celebrate, the outside of the Norwich landmark will be lit up in purple.

Chris Burns, BBC head of audio commissioning, said: "Each year the Make a Difference Awards remind us just how many incredible people are out there quietly transforming lives.

"The 2025 nominations are as strong as ever with thousands of people nominating unsung heroes, and the stories we've heard have been truly moving."

The BBC Radio Norfolk Make A Difference Awards finalists are:

The Volunteer Award

Ian Smith, North Norfolk Railway Youth Development Club

Mike Potter & Peter Wood, Witness Service

John Dolamore, Community First Responder

Oksana Hrytsenko, Parent Champion

The Young Hero Award

Austin Foster

Mason Martindale

Mateo Skinner-Pelaz

Rory Bendon

The Great Neighbour Award

Angela French

Ann Reeve

Gerard Knight

Keith & Carol Froude

The Active Award

Lauren Rackham, No Limits Norfolk

Norfolk Knights Wheelchair Rugby Club

Ruby Bishop

Walk & Talk EA

The Animal Award

Hobson & Penel

Lexi Nicol

Michael Envy with Bella & Bear

Sue Cole with Suzy

The Green Award

Amaya Edwards

Countryside Litter Pickers

Doreen Cochrane

North Norfolk Wombles

The Fundraiser Award

Jayne Biggs, Heart2Heart Norfolk

Jon & Amanda Sheehy, Amber's Army

Ladies in League Against Cancer

Nick Loades, Ellie's Love

The Community Group Award

King's Lynn Deaf Coffee Morning

North Walsham Good Neighbours

Welney Coffee Social

Women's Only Project, Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney