Industry figure Reece Holland is one the pioneers of nextgen aspirations of the old Showmen and arcadian traditions moving those heritage principles deeper into seaside communities. Already a local hero for his tireless work promoting local businesses on social media through passionate videos for the Bridlington Leisure Association, his community work is also gaining recognition on the awards radar.
Reece Holland has been shortlisted for the BBC Radio Humberside Make a Difference awards 2026, after being nominated for his work organising Sunday community litter collections.
The Showman and chair of Bridlington Leisure Association was announced as one of four finalists for the environmental award this week, while speaking to the BBC about how the group was formed.
“I was diagnosed with throat cancer, secondary and primary, exactly a year ago today,” said Holland. “It was a major operation, I had a neck dissect and I had part of my tongue removed, I had my tonsils removed, and I was feeling pretty sorry for myself.”
“The doctor told me you need to get out and do some exercise. Just start off slow, 20 minutes a week. I thought, what can I do? And I thought litter picking.”
On Holland’s first litter pick, more than 40 local residents joined him to tidy up the seafront, and the session has now become a weekly event.
Following the announcement, Reece Holland said he was “over the moon to understand that I am now one of four finalists for the BBC Make a Difference award.”
“It makes me so proud as I never intended for this to go as far as it did.”
Originally published on Coinslot on September 7, 2026. Republished with permission.