Paul Turton to receive Citizen Award

We are incredibly proud to share that Helstonbury founder Paul Turton is to receive a British Citizen Award in recognition of his services to the community.

Paul will be presented with the BCA Medal of Honour at the Palace of Westminster later this month, alongside other inspirational recipients from across the UK.

Paul founded the Helstonbury Music Festival more than 25 years ago, bringing local musicians, singers and members of the community together to enjoy live music while raising money for people and organisations needing support.

Over the years, funds raised through Helstonbury have helped provide an electric wheelchair for a young woman, a prosthetic limb for a young woman with bone cancer, equipment for local playgroups and choirs, and photography equipment for a young man wanting to pursue his passion.

The festival has also supported mental health charities, community groups and local families experiencing particularly difficult circumstances.

What began as a local music event has grown into an important part of the Helston community, made possible by the performers, volunteers, businesses, supporters and festivalgoers who return year after year.

Paul is one of 28 people from across the country being recognised by the British Citizen Award for making a positive and lasting difference to the lives of others.

The presentation will be hosted by broadcaster Matt Allwright and attended by British Citizen Award patrons and supporters. Following the ceremony, recipients will be celebrated with an open-top bus lap of honour around Westminster.

The British Citizen Award was launched in 2015 to recognise extraordinary people whose dedication, kindness and community spirit might otherwise go unnoticed.

Everyone involved with Helstonbury would like to congratulate Paul on this thoroughly deserved recognition.

We could not be prouder.