Plans for The National Lived Experience Awards (NLEA) 2026 are officially in the works, and our incredible Events Team recently met up in person at Statfold Country Park, where the awards will be held, for their second meeting to get creative, collaborate, and map out ideas for an unforgettable ceremony.
It was brilliant to bring everyone together in one room. The energy, enthusiasm, and creativity proved how dedicated this team is to making the awards a truly proud and joyful experience for everyone involved.
The day started with a fantastic “dice-breaker” icebreaker activity, courtesy of the Lincolnshire Partnership Foundation Trust group, which helped everyone mix, chat, and get to know each other a little better.
With the introductions complete, the team got to go on an exciting tour of the venue where the awards will be held: The Arena and the National Fairground Museum at Statfold Country Park in Tamworth!
We made our way to the spectacular National Fairground Museum first. This incredible entertainment area features classic rides like the Dodgems, a Ghost Train, and a Waltzer. The room was filled with excitement. We then viewed the grand Arena space, planning how the main ceremony could look, complete with round tables, custom lighting, and a special entrance archway. It’s safe to say the venue sparked inspiration for everyone!
After a lunch break, the team rolled up their sleeves for some activities, including:
-
Writing jokes, affirmations, and poems
-
Designing elements like award certificates, tickets, and table centrepiece ideas
-
Drawing self-portraits to be featured alongside their bios in the event programme
We also took the time to discuss the essential event job roles, both for the advance planning stages and on the big day itself. From ‘Welcome Crews’ to ‘Creative Decorators’, everyone can find the perfect way to leave their mark on the event.
One of the biggest highlights of the day was the theme discussion. We made sure to bring in the wonderful ideas shared by team members who couldn’t attend in person, and then spent time in groups mind-mapping ideas for potential themes. Then, one at a time, members of the Events Team came to the front of the room and told the whole group about the ideas they had come up with.
The team came up with so many amazing, vibrant choices that we simply couldn’t decide on a single winner during the meeting! Because the choices are all so brilliant, the Events Team is currently holding an official vote of the shortlisted options to lock in the final winner. The winning theme will be announced soon!
Here’s is a wonderful poem written by our Events Team Member, Vicki, who reflected on our day spent together:
“We came to the Events Team meeting number two,
Where there were so many things to do.
We had a tour around the site,
And it really was a great delight.The fairground is an exciting feature,
With rides and games aplenty.
We walked from the fairground to the space,
A walk so nice and gently.The food was great too, with choices I could actually eat!
And so many people to meet and greet.
So many ideas and themes coming through,
What will we go for? I have no clue!The venue wasn’t too far from us,
A nice steady drive away.
And despite the rainy weather,
It was a lovely day.”.– Vicki
And here is a fantastic video of highlights from the day, made by our Events Team Member, Chris:
A massive thank you to every member of the Events Team for your incredible ideas, teamwork, and brilliant energy. You are the visionaries making the National Lived Experience Awards 2026 happen!
Our next meeting will be held virtually in July, where more exciting planning and decisions will be made.
The countdown to the main Awards Ceremony on Wednesday 23rd September 2026 is officially on!
