Cirencester Community Awards 2026 Celebrate Outstanding Local Heroes and Organisations

IMAGE ABOVE: Tutti Flutti by Olivia Dale Studio

Cirencester, May 2026 — Cirencester came together on Monday 28th April, to celebrate the people, projects and organisations making an extraordinary difference to the town, as the Cirencester Community Awards 2026 took place in a packed and uplifting ceremony at the Baptist Church, Cirencester.

The evening opened with a charming and joyful welcome from the Tutti Flutti Flute Choir, performing favourites from The Sound of Music — complete with duck whistles to greet guests as they arrived. The Jazz Cave followed with a burst of professional energy, setting the tone for a night of celebration.

The ceremony was led by Dan Woodward who compered the evening with warmth and humour, before welcoming Richard Bradley, Vice Lord‑Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, representing His Majesty the King. Bradley, appointed in 2025 and continuing a long tradition of Lieutenancy support dating back to 1540, praised the “remarkable spirit of service” shown across the nominations.

This year saw more entries than ever before, with judges noting the exceptionally high standard across all categories.

2026 AWARD WINNER

Team Award — Sponsored by Lake 32

Winner: Charlie’s Community Support Recognised for their tireless work supporting families across Cirencester. Finalists included: Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool Maintenance Team and Cirencester & Stroud Branch of Parkinson’s UK – who have raised over £59,000 and run walking‑football support sessions.

Sustainability Award — Sponsored by Rixon Architects

Winner: Cirencester Pantry For rescuing 21kg of food from landfill each week and providing affordable, high‑quality food to the community. Finalists included: Cirencester Repair Café, Cirencester Wildlife Group, and Kids Stuff Cirencester CIC.

Cirencester Champion Award — Sponsored by u3a

Winner: Mel Scrivens Honoured for her long‑standing commitment to multiple charities and community groups. Finalists: Jane Gunner and Shirley Bond.

Best Project Award — Sponsored by Cirencester Male Voice Choir

Winner: Phoenix Festival Celebrated for its impact on music, arts, culture, and inclusivity in the town. Finalists: Reconnect Gloucestershire and Churn Community Hub’s Digital Inclusion Project.

Young Community Champion Award

Joint Winners: Levente Bodor & Jake Tombs Levente were recognised for bringing the railway station to life with VR storytelling and exceptional leadership. Jake was honoured for his outstanding befriending work, continuing his support for Derek long after completing his Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.

Special Recognition

A heartfelt In Memoriam tribute was paid to Aileen Star Anderson, remembered for her warmth, energy and “can‑do” spirit.

Cirencester Community Awards are designed to recognise not‑for‑profit, charitable and CIC organisations, but this year, several local businesses drew attention, through the Community Awards, of the work they do for the local community. The Judging Panel were keen to acknowledge the range of Community Benefit that existed from this sector, so Marie Lewis (Wickes), Pinky Laing (Remnant Revolution), and Anne‑Laurie Lewis (The Old Department Store, The Grace Network) were invited by Dan to stand and receive a well‑deserved round of applause from the audience. Their work embodies the generosity and community‑mindedness that make Cirencester special.

The organisers, Cirencester Radio in partnership with the Cirencester Community Development Trust (CCDT) wish to extend their heartfelt thanks to the judging panel: Revd. Canon Graham Morris, Derek Wetter, Hannah Hockley, Jan Sparrow, Becky Coles, who had an incredibly difficult job in deciding the winners.

Thank you to the 2026 Sponsors & Partners

Headline Sponsors: Kings Head Hotel, Cirencester Civic Society

Category Sponsors: Cirencester Male Voice Choir, Rixon Architects, u3a, Lake 32, Soroptimists Partners: CCDT, Cirencester Radio

Organisers thanked all sponsors, including Ciren Scene Magazine and Cirencester Soroptimists, for making the awards possible and all nominees for their exceptional contributions to Cirencester.

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