Barbara Castle statue unveiling shortlisted for national Public Sector PR award

Viva’s work with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council – which saw legendary MP Barbara Castle’s ‘homecoming’ to the town in the form of a bronze statue – is shortlisted for the Public Sector, Value for Money Award at the national PRCA UK Awards.

Councillor Phil Riley, Deputy Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “I’m really pleased that the communications campaign has been recognised on a national scale. The statue project was about celebrating and promoting our town’s history and heritage. It’s giving people a lot of pleasure, and we see so many people taking photographs.

“It’s already an iconic feature in the town, highlighting important messages about our well-documented grit and determination. We’re also helping restore equality because there aren’t enough statues of inspirational women in this country.”

The awards take place on Tuesday 15th November in London.

The unveiling of Barbara Castle’s bronze statue in Blackburn – alongside Jack Straw and Angela Rayner ­– has seen Viva shortlisted for the Public Sector, Value for Money Award at the PRCA UK Awards.

Tony Garner, Viva’s founder and MD, said: “We’ve had another record year and that means we have been able to grow the team and deliver great projects for our clients, just like this one.

“The campaign to bring Barbara Castle ‘home’ was the culmination of a few years’ work for Viva and the council. Initial plans to fund the statue were drawn up in 2018 and we’ve been keeping tabs on progress ever since.

“To finally see all the planning come to fruition with a fantastic public launch was an undoubted highlight for the agency in 2021, and seeing the campaign shortlisted for a national PR award makes me incredibly proud.”