The York Early Music Festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award honours major figures who have made a significant difference to the world of early music. Inaugurated in 2006, award winners include Crispian Steele-Perkins, Emma Kirkby, Trevor Pinnock and Anthony Rooley and in 2025 we were delighted to celebrate the achievements of singer, broadcaster and Festival Friend Catherine (Kate) Bott in a short ceremony immediately prior to the BBC Radio 3’s Early Music Show which was broadcast live from the NCEM as part of the annual York Early Music Festival.