The Association of Jamaican Nationals (Birmingham) UK brings together community leaders, businesses, professionals, families and young people for one of its major annual celebrations during Black History Month and Jamaica’s National Heritage Week.
The Local Heroes & Be Inspired Youth Gala and Awards Ceremony 2026 takes place at Aston Villa Football Club under the theme “Keep Hope Alive”, celebrating heritage while recognising people whose work is making a meaningful difference across communities.
At the heart of the evening are the AJN Local Heroes Awards, honouring individuals whose leadership, service and commitment have strengthened communities and improved the lives of others.
The awards recognise contributions across areas including volunteering, community leadership, health and wellbeing, education, mentoring, equality, culture and social inclusion. A dedicated NHS Mary Seacole Award also recognises exceptional contributions to healthcare and compassionate service.
Alongside the Local Heroes Awards are the Be Inspired Youth Awards, celebrating young people who are already making an impact through education, entrepreneurship, sport, creativity, volunteering and community leadership.
By recognising younger changemakers alongside established community figures, the ceremony deliberately connects achievement today with the leadership of tomorrow.
The Association of Jamaican Nationals has been active in Birmingham since 1990, working to support the Jamaican diaspora while developing partnerships across education, health, culture, business and community life.
Guests at the 2026 gala can expect a rum-punch reception, four-course dinner, inspirational speakers, awards presentations and live entertainment, followed by dancing to Caribbean music into the early hours.
Taking place during Black History Month, the gala provides an important opportunity to celebrate achievement that can otherwise go unnoticed: the volunteers, mentors, educators, entrepreneurs, health professionals, youth leaders and community organisers whose everyday work builds stronger communities.
AJN Local Heroes & Be Inspired Youth Gala 2026 promises an evening of recognition, Jamaican heritage, community pride and celebration — while encouraging another generation to keep hope alive through service and leadership.
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