Organisers of the Ascona Child of Wales Awards 2026 are delighted to announce that nominations are officially open for the nationwide awards initiative which shines a light on the remarkable achievements, courage and resilience shown by young people across Wales.
The awards, now in their fifth year, celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of children living in Wales, culminating in a prestigious, star-studded awards ceremony on 2 October at the Swansea Building Society Arena in Swansea.
Last year’s headline sponsor, Pembrokeshire-based forecourt and roadside retail business Ascona Group, has confirmed its return as headline sponsor for a second year, joining scores of other Welsh businesses pledging their support through sponsorship or participation.
Welsh BBC TV presenter Gethin Jones will also return as host for the evening, joined by some 650 people including the winners and their families, sponsors, celebrities, sporting stars, influencers and media representatives. The entertainment for the evening is yet to be confirmed, but previous years’ guests have enjoyed performances from the likes of Beverley Knight and Roachford.
The glamorous, high-profile event generates vital funds for Welsh child and youth-centred charities, with over £300,000 raised for various causes to date. With the nominated charities changing each year, the two organisations set to benefit in 2026 are Wales Air Ambulance and mental health cause, Big Moose.
“It is my absolute honour to be able to declare the nominations open for 2026 and to also express my sincere thanks to all the businesses and individuals once again stepping up to make this year’s event truly exceptional,” said the Ascona Child of Wales Awards’ founder, Blanche Sainsbury.
“Every year I am blown away by the stories we hear and the incredible people we meet, as well as the support we receive from across Wales and beyond.
“The evening itself is always emotional and humbling – and understandably so – as we pay tribute to the courage of children and young people who face difficult personal challenges every day yet never give up; they just keep pushing on. Then there are those showing kindness and acts of true selflessness who are an inspiration not only to those around them but to us all.”
Ascona Group managing director Darren Briggs adds:
“We are incredibly proud to be the headline sponsor of the Ascona Child of Wales Awards for the second year running, celebrating the inspiring young people who represent the very best of Wales.
“Our return for 2026 reflects our continued commitment to recognising and championing the outstanding achievements of Wales’s remarkable young people and, of course, their families.”
The free-to-enter awards seek to celebrate inspirational individuals under the age of 20 who live in, or were born in, Wales and may be dealing with illnesses or disabilities, or have faced bullying or discrimination.
They also honour families and anyone who has persevered through difficult circumstances to succeed and excel in sport or the arts. There is recognition for leadership skills, as well as compassion shown through championing causes in their communities, protecting the environment, caring for others or fundraising.
There are 12 categories including: Child of Courage, Young Sporting Hero, Young Leader, Environmental Champion, Courageous Family, Young Performer, Outstanding Charity, Bravery Award, Young Fundraiser, Community Champion, Exceptional Young Carer and, Above & Beyond.
Nominations will remain open until 30 June 2026. Once closed, judging will be conducted by a panel made up of a mix of celebrities, independent advisors and representatives from sponsors.
Winners, along with their families, will be invited to attend the awards ceremony at the Swansea Building Society Arena. As part of their prize, they will also receive a break at Bluestone Wales holiday park in Pembrokeshire, and anyone shortlisted will be presented with a day pass.
“It’s never easy making a decision as there are always so many incredible nominations, but the fact that this is now such an established annual event means there’s always an opportunity to revisit and hear those stories again next year if they don’t win this time round,” comments Blanche.
With nominations now open and preparations underway for the October event, numerous local and national businesses have expressed their commitment to supporting the occasion through sponsorships and partnerships.
Blanche continues:
“Without the continued support of headline sponsor Ascona Group, alongside the loyalty of other businesses, these awards simply wouldn’t be possible. Each year, I am genuinely moved by their generosity, whether they sponsor an award category, donate auction prizes, purchase tables at the event, or contribute their services and time.”
Confirmed sponsors for this year include: Ascona Group, Trade Centre Wales, Castell Howell, Owens Group, Swansea Building Society, LBS Building Merchants, Team Wales, Gower College, Princes Gate, JCP Solicitors, Westacres, Swansea City FC, Sinclair Group, Thomas Carroll, Browne Jacobson, Azets, Green Hat Consulting, Ultra Evo Group, Bluestone Wales, Lunar 3D, Route Media, Cariad Occasions, Simply Elegant and choir lead, Mark Jermin.
