Cirencester Radio and the Cirencester Community Development Trust have announced the exciting launch of the Cirencester Community Awards 2026. This prestigious initiative is dedicated to celebrating the remarkable charities, organisations, community groups, and individuals who make an outstanding and positive contribution to the vibrant life of the town.
A Collaborative Partnership
The awards are a collaborative effort, represented by Carole Boydell and Penny Carpenter from Cirencester Radio, alongside Anne Buffoni for the Community Development Trust. Together, they have introduced the distinguished judging panel for this year's awards.
Meet the 2026 Judging Panel
The panel comprises respected local figures who will assess the nominations. They are:
- Revd. Canon Graham Morris, Vicar of Cirencester Parish Church
- Derek Wetter, representing the Cirencester Chamber of Commerce
- Hannah Hockley from The Apprenticeship Partner
- Jan Sparrow of CirenScene
- Becky Coles from Cirencester Town Council
The primary goal of these awards is to recognise the people and projects that actively strengthen Cirencester's community spirit and cohesion. Participation is strongly encouraged from anyone involved in the not-for-profit sector. This includes entering on behalf of a group, club, or organisation, or nominating an individual who consistently goes above and beyond for the benefit of others.
Award Categories for 2026
The awards feature a well-rounded structure designed to honour various forms of community contribution.
Organisational Excellence
There are three organisational award categories, each highlighting a key area of excellence:
- Excellence in Community Project Delivery
- Outstanding Teamwork
- Sustainability in Community Action
Individual Honours
In addition, two special individual awards will celebrate personal dedication:
- The Young Community Champion award for individuals aged 16–25.
- The Cirencester Champion award for those aged 25 and over.
These individual honours aim to celebrate residents who embody the core values of generosity, neighbourliness, and unwavering dedication. This encompasses a wide range of contributors, from dedicated volunteers and successful fundraisers to everyday local heroes.
How to Enter the Awards
Application forms are readily available online, with full details provided on how to prepare and submit a compelling entry. It is important to note that all completed entry forms must be returned by the deadline of 4pm on Friday, April 10, 2026.
The Awards Ceremony
The winners will be officially announced at a special community celebration event. This ceremony is scheduled to begin at 5pm on April 27, 2026, and will be held at the Cirencester Baptist Church, providing a fitting venue to honour the town's achievers.
For more detailed information and to access the entry forms, interested parties are directed to the official Cirencester Community Awards page. Alternatively, physical copies of the application forms can be collected directly from the Cirencester Town Council Information Office.
