Marking Racial Justice Sunday 2026
Each year, our diocese marks Racial Justice Sunday. This is an important day to recognise our common humanity and the love and compassion that we share between us as diverse children of God.
Read the storyThe Cranmer Awards comes to Lincolnshire
For the very first time, St Botolph’s Church in Boston will host a regional heat of the prestigious Cranmer Award. It is a national public-speaking competition for young people aged 11–18, organised by the Prayer Book Society.
What Are the Cranmer Awards?
The Cranmer Awards invite young people from all backgrounds and faiths to recite a passage from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. It is a text at the heart of Anglican worship and English literary heritage. The competition is open to both individuals and groups entered by schools or churches, with categories for Juniors (11–14) and Seniors (15–18).
Lincolnshire Regional Heat Details
Date & Time: Saturday 25 October 2025 at 3pm
Venue: St Botolph’s Church, Boston (AKA. Boston Stump)
Eligibility: Open to all young people aged 11–18
Competitors will present a passage of their choice from the Book of Common Prayer, lasting 3–5 minutes, to a panel of judges and an audience of supporters. There are prizes of £50, £30, and £20 to the top three in each age group at the regional level. Every participant will receive a certificate.
How to Enter
Please complete this form and return it no later than Friday 17 October 2025. You can this by post or hand to St Botolph’s Parish Church, Boston (Boston Stump), Market Place, Boston, Lincolnshire PE21 6NP or by email to admin@parishofboston.co.uk
National Final of the Cranmer Awards at Hampton Court Palace
Winners from the Lincolnshire heat will be invited to the National Final at the Chapel Royal, Hampton Court Palace, London, on Saturday 28 February 2026. Generous cash prizes (£250, £150, £100) await the top performers, and travel costs for finalists and an accompanying adult will be covered.
In recent years, prizes have been presented by His Majesty The King, who is Patron of the Prayer Book Society.
Why Take Part?
The Cranmer Awards celebrate the beauty and depth of the Book of Common Prayer, a cornerstone of Christian worship and English language. The competition offers young people a unique opportunity to develop public speaking skills, confidence, and a deeper appreciation for our shared heritage.
How You Can Help
We encourage schools, churches, and community groups to share this opportunity widely and support young people as they prepare. Family, friends, and supporters are warmly invited to attend the regional heat and cheer on the participants. Refreshments will be available for all.
For more information about the Cranmer Awards and the Prayer Book Society, visit their website.
For more information
Contact:
The Parish of Boston
1 Wormgate, Boston, PE21 6NP
Tel: 01205 310929
Email: admin@parishofboston.co.uk
Facebook: @bostonstump
X: @Stump_boston