Ulster Architectural Heritage is excited to announce that the search for Northern Ireland’s Heritage Angels is moving forward with the final Heritage Angel Awards shortlist revealed today. These annual awards aim to celebrate unsung angels of local heritage- individuals or groups, who have rescued an historic building or site, worked as craftspeople or apprentices, or recorded and interpreted a historic place. It is supported by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation, Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and Department for Communities, Historic Environment Division in 2019.
The Heritage Angel Awards are not just about heritage, but the people that make heritage projects happen. Showcasing what is possible when people take interest in and take action for the care and consideration of our heritage.
- Best Rescue of a Historic Building or Place (Under £2m)
Melanie & Martin Hamill: Strangford Presbyterian Church
Downpatrick & County Down Railway: Bundoran Signal Cabin
Hearth Historic Buildings Trust & Clanmill Hearth Heritage Division: McMaster Street - Best major Regeneration of a Historic Building or Place (Over £2m)
Richhill Building Preservation Trust: Regeneration of Richhill
Jon Kerr: Mount Stewart Conservation Project
Estates Directorate, Queen’s University Belfast: Lanyon Conservation & Restoration Project - Best Contribution to a Heritage Project by Young People
Eoin Boyle: Donaghmore High Cross Guide Booklet
Children of the Heartland Project: Heartland
Pupils of Holy Trinity Primary School, Enniskillen: Northern Ireland, Our Shared Past, Present & Future - Best Craftsperson or Apprentice on a Heritage Rescue or Repair Project
Michael Hoy: Remembering T P Flanagan
Andrew & Brian Rooney: Mourne Wall Restoration
William Watson: Charles Sheils Almshouses - Best Heritage Research, Interpretation or Recording
Philip Smith: Buildings of South County Down
David Bunting: Heritage Photography
Carnlough Heritage Volunteers: Carnlough Heritage Hub
Comprising 15 projects across five different categories, the shortlist showcases a range of diverse heritage initiatives across Northern Ireland. The 2019 shortlist includes private owners; volunteers; community groups; apprentices; craftsmen and young people. All of the shortlisted candidates have developed their interest in heritage, in different ways, and applied this into quality schemes in Northern Ireland. The shortlisted candidates will be judged by an expert panel of judges with the winners of each category announced on the awards night. However, we would like you to get involved by taking part in the public vote. Vote for one favourite project for the chance for it to win the Public Vote Award. View the shortlisted projects and vote now.
“Protecting architectural heritage is a vital part of cultural life. Architecture is the most vulnerable art form and one that I have been passionate about all my life. I’m delighted my Foundation can support the Heritage Angel Awards for the third year in Northern Ireland and shine a spotlight on those who have made a significant contribution towards protecting the country’s heritage. By raising awareness of the impact individuals can have, our aim is to inspire others to get involved and work together to save and protect Northern Ireland’s heritage for our future generations.”
Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber
“Ulster Architectural Heritage has been truly overwhelmed with quantity and quality of entries received in this the third year of the Heritage Angel Awards in Northern Ireland. From over 80 applications, across over 60 projects, we can now reveal the 15 shortlisted this year. We are looking forward to celebrating achievement for heritage with the people that make it happen, on the evening 29 October at the Market Place Theatre, Armagh. I am also very excited to hear the bespoke material from poets and singer-songwriters that are being created especially for the event. All welcome.”
Nicola McVeigh, Chief Executive of Ulster Architectural Heritage.
The overall winner in each of the categories will be named at the Northern Ireland Heritage Angel Awards ceremony on Tuesday 29 October at the Market Place Theatre, Armagh. This special event will be hosted by Wendy Austin, with special guests, Joe Mahon and Marie-Louise Muir.
“We are really looking forward to welcoming the Heritage Angel Awards NI to Armagh in October and where better to host these awards, with Armagh City’s rich and stunning Georgian architecture and heritage. This is a fantastic way of acknowledging and celebrating the remarkable and passionate people who work tirelessly to protect and preserve our local heritage and culture. I look forward to the award ceremony in the Market Place Theatre, Armagh and extend my best wishes to all the shortlisted nominees.”
Councillor Mealla Campbell, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council.
The event will also celebrate ‘Heritage in Song and Spoken Word’. Local artists will perform bespoke material, especially created for the event, about Armagh’s built heritage. This year’s fantastic line-up includes: Brigid O’Neill; Tony Villiers; Rioghanch Connolly; The 4 of Us – Brendan & Declan Murphy; Maria McManus and the Armagh Pipers.
You can book your FREE tickets to attend the awards here. All welcome.
UAH is calling for members of the public to cast their vote online for their choice of ONE from the shortlist. This is open until Friday 11 October. View the shortlist & vote for your favourite project now! Already know who you would like to vote for? Go straight to the voting form here.
The 2019 Heritage Angel Awards are funded by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation; Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and the Department for Communities.
