Chesterfield charity Junction Arts is awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service

A Chesterfield based arts charity has been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS), the highest honour given to voluntary groups in the UK.

Junction Arts - which is celebrating its 50th anniversary - is among 250 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award, which is an equivalent to an MBE,

The charity is best known for its large-scale events, including the Bolsover Lantern Parade and Chesterfield Children’s Festival, which bring thousands of people together.

Commenting on the award, Junction Arts managing director Emily Bowman said: “This is a significant milestone for Junction Arts in our 50th year and, most importantly, a recognition of the commitment, creativity and community spirit of our volunteers.

“They are essential to the work we do. Their generosity, enthusiasm and kindness enable us to reach more people and create opportunities that might otherwise not be possible.

“Our volunteers deserve the very highest recognition, and we’re delighted that this award provides an opportunity to celebrate them and the difference they make. We also hope it will raise awareness of Junction Arts’ work and encourage even more people to get involved in volunteering and community arts.”

Last year, Junction Arts worked with 280 volunteers, who contributed 45,567 hours of their time.

Artist John King has been volunteering with Junction Arts since 2022. He first became involved when the charity moved into West Studios, directly opposite his own studio. A painter and maker with a background in teaching art and design at Chesterfield College, John approached the team to offer his skills.

His first experience was supporting lantern-making workshops at Bolsover Assembly Rooms, an activity he quickly fell in love with. Since then, he has returned whenever he can, drawn by the supportive staff, camaraderie among fellow volunteers and, above all, the joy of helping people create something special for the Bolsover Lantern Parade.

John said: “Volunteering gives you a buzz; seeing people thrilled with what they’ve made is wonderful.”

For fellow volunteer Keron Evans, joining Junction Arts has been a life-changing experience.

In 2024, following four years of serious illness and a prolonged period of isolation during the COVID pandemic, Keron began looking for a way to reconnect with the world. Unable to return to work but keen to contribute, she started searching for volunteering opportunities and discovered Junction Arts.

From her very first conversation with the charity’s volunteer co-ordinator, Nathan Hamer, she felt welcomed, supported and safe, a significant change after years of being housebound and struggling to connect with other people.

Although she didn't consider herself an artist, Keron loved being surrounded by creativity. The team quickly found opportunities for her to get involved in a variety of activities, from podcasting to festivals at Queen’s Park and Tapton Lock.

Through volunteering, she developed new skills, met new people and gradually rebuilt her confidence.

Keron said: “Two years ago, I would never have imagined that I would be doing the things I’m doing at Junction Arts. Volunteering has given me my confidence back, and I've gone from helping with activities to leading some of my own creative ideas.

“Winning this award means a huge amount to me and the other volunteers. We enjoy the work we do, but it’s amazing to be formally recognised by the King!”

Following the announcement, which was made on King Charles’ 78th birthday, representatives of Junction Arts and its volunteers will receive the award crystal and certificate from Elizabeth Fothergill, Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire. In addition, two volunteers from Junction Arts will attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2027, along with other recipients of this year’s award.

Junction Arts, which moved to Station Road, Chesterfield this year, organises festivals, projects and events that help people explore creativity, learn new skills and build stronger communities. Its work is rooted in collaboration, co-creating meaningful and memorable arts experiences that improve wellbeing and inspire positive change.