Rising talent and local stars took centre stage at BOLT Academy's annual Presentation Awards this week, which celebrated the outstanding achievements of students at the Keighley-based performing arts academy.
The ceremony, held at Keighley’s Victoria Hall on Sunday (September 24th), saw around 500 people gather to celebrate the accomplishments of BOLT Academy students.
Awards were presented by Emmerdale star Brad Johnson (Vinny Dingle), former town mayor Julie Adams and Keighley’s MP Robbie Moore. The winners list included:
STUDENT OF THE YEAR - MOLLY SHARPLES
PRINCIPLE AWARD - ETHAN CATTLE
VICE-PRINCIPAL AWARD - BELLA KIRBY
PROFESSIONAL AWARD - BRODIE NKOME & MADDY TAYLOR
HEART OF GOLD AWARD - MADDIE WHITEOAK & MAGGIE FLAHERTY
STUDENT'S STUDENT AWARD - AVA-MAI WALTON & WILLIAM LAWRENCE
RISING STAR AWARD - ISLA HART & JOSH HARDY
Based on Lawkholme Lane and founded in July 2019 by Yorkshire-born actor Freddie Bolt, BOLT Academy aims to be the central hub for young actor training in the North of England, offering a clear pathway for performers with ambitions in the television, film, music and theatre industry. Last year, the Academy were voted by local people as Keighley and the wider area’s 2022 Best Small Business, taking the crown of Robbie Moore’s annual Small Business Awards
At the heart of BOLT Academy's ethos is the goal to be the central hub for young actor training in the North of England. It provides a clear pathway for performers with ambitions in the television, film, music, and theatre industry, fostering the growth of exceptional talents.
Freddie Bolt, founder of BOLT Academy said:
"Our annual presentation awards day has to be my favourite day of year. Everything we do at BOLT is so fast paced, whether that be preparing for a show, exams, showcases or just running the weekly classes. We rarely get chance to sit back, reflect and appreciate the outstanding work our student produce week after week, month after month, show after show. This is why our presentation day is so important as we get everyone in the same room for one afternoon to recognise and celebrate our amazing students and all their achievements throughout the past year. It’s amazing to share these moments with all our students, full team or staff and fantastic support network of parents, friends and family to celebrate everything that makes BOLT what it is. On a final note, I would like to wish Molly Sharples a huge congratulations for being chosen as our student of the year for 2023. Who will it be next year? Back to work kids!"
Speaking about the Awards, Robbie Moore MP said:
”BOLT Academy is undeniably one of the biggest success stories our town has had in recent years. Freddie and the whole team are absolutely brilliant, and it really was an honour to be part of this event celebrating the outstanding achievements of the academy's students. A huge well done to the winners and to everyone over at BOLT Academy for putting our town’s performing arts culture on the map. I can’t wait for their next show”
