The city’s most powerful night is back with The Guide Liverpool Heroes 2026

The Guide Liverpool Heroes returns for 2026, ready to celebrate and give a shout out to all the amazing people in our city region.

More than one million people watched the inaugural ceremony on socials last year when we honoured 55 finalists and recognised 20 local heroes.

And with so many incredible individuals and organisations in Liverpool who make us proud with their courage, their superhuman efforts for others and their resilience – to say nothing of their kindness and compassion which makes life better for so many – we just knew it had to return this year.

This year The Guide Liverpool Heroes will be brought to you by Merseyrail, in partnership with San Carlo and Liverpool Business Improvement District. 

Jay Hynd, The Guide Liverpool director and founder of the awards, says: 

“Last year’s inaugural Heroes event was a night we won’t ever forget. 

“Celebrating the very individuals and organisations that make what we do at The Guide worthwhile was a dream come true. That’s why we had to bring it back for 2026.”

He adds: “Week in and week out, we feature extraordinary people, businesses, groups, charities and more, who astound us with what they do and achieve for the benefit of others.

“We’re delighted to have Merseyrail as our headline sponsor this year, they really are a network full of heroes, connecting communities every single day, so it’s a great fit.”

Last year’s winners included:

The Southport Families of Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Da Silva Aguiar, who brought the audience to their feet – and to tears – when they received their Special Award from former Chief Constable of Merseyside Serena Kennedy

Speedo Mick, for the incredible work he’s done, overcoming homelessness, addiction, and mental health issues to raise more than £1m for charities.

Mark King OBE, who launched the Oliver King Foundation after the death of his 12-year-old son to see life-saving defibrillators installed in public places, and Claire House Children’s Hospice, which won Charity of the Year meaning that will be the charity the event supports this time, raising money for its much-needed new West Derby hospice.

Zoe’s Place, Fans Supporting Food Banks, North West Air Ambulance, Nightlife CIC and Weapons Down Gloves Up also won much deserved awards.

Nominations are now open for The Guide Liverpool Heroes 2026 awards with categories including Child of Courage, Community Hero, Business Hero, Inspiring Influencer, Sports Hero, Emergency Services, Fundraising Hero and more. 

You can nominate your hero now at theguideliverpool.com/heroes with the shortlist due to be announced in September.

Suzanne Grant, Chief Commercial Officer and Deputy Managing Director at Merseyrail said:

“Merseyrail is proud to be the headline sponsor of The Guide Liverpool Heroes Awards 2026. Across the Liverpool City Region, people make an extraordinary difference every day through acts of kindness, courage and community spirit.

We’re privileged to serve those communities, so we’re delighted to help celebrate the individuals, organisations and volunteers whose dedication makes our region such a special place. We’re looking forward to hearing their stories and recognising the remarkable impact they have on others.”

Jay says: “We can’t wait for another uplifting evening and to be in the company once again of some of the city’s most outstanding and motivational people.

Nominate your local hero HERE. Nominations close on 31st August 2026 with the shortlist opening for public vote in September.