2026 Nominees
Craig Rolfe
A youth volunteer “wise beyond his years” has been nominated for Volunteer of the Year, sponsored by AB Walker.
South Street Youth Theatre Juniors
A drama club giving children a safe space to thrive has been nominated for the Chris Tarrant Award, sponsored by The Oracle.
RABBLE Theatre
A theatre company bringing powerful local stories to national audiences has been nominated for the Putting Reading on the Map Award, sponsored by Purple Turtle and Jacobs the Jewellers.
Catherine Wignall
The founder of a counselling service pioneering a “whole-person” approach has been nominated for the Business in Action Award, sponsored by Boyes Turner.
Chris Ambrose
An “exceptional example” of the life-changing impact of volunteering has been nominated for Volunteer of the Year, sponsored by AB Walker.
Blandy & Blandy
A law firm part of the Reading community for over 200 years has been nominated for the Business in Action Award, sponsored by Boyes Turner.
Katesgrove Community Association
An “outstanding grassroots organisation” has been nominated for Community of the Year, sponsored by Hilton Reading.
Fink Street Food
The UK’s first and only social enterprise street food and events caterer committed to breaking mental health stigma has been nominated for the Business in Action award, sponsored by Boyes Turner.
Dingley’s Promise
A charity providing “life-changing” support to families of children with special educational needs and disabilities has been nominated for Charity of the Year, sponsored by Cream Design.
Wolseley Street Bakery
An independent bakery bringing a taste of France to Reading has been recognised for the Independent Retailer of the Year award, sponsored by REDA and Reading BID.
Debbie Eastwood
A “dedicated and compassionate nursery practitioner” has been nominated for The Inspiration Award, sponsored by McDonald’s.
Care4Calais Reading
The “outstanding” work of a charity dedicated to supporting Reading’s refugee community has been recognised for the Chris Tarrant Award, sponsored by The Oracle.
Martin Bingham
The founder of a grassroots football team has been nominated for the Neighbourhood Champion Award, sponsored by Reading Football Club.
Stephanie Awbery
“Decades of dedication” from the founder of a “hugely popular” motor show has been recognised for Putting Reading on the Map, sponsored by Purple Turtle and Jacobs the Jewellers.
Hudson Willmot
A “determined” eight-year-old who has raised vital funds for charity has been nominated for Child of Courage, sponsored by De Vere Wokefield Estate.
Young Voices
A group of local youngsters empowering their peers in Reading has been nominated for Volunteers of the Year, sponsored by AB Walker.
South Street Arts Centre
South Street Arts Centre has been nominated for the Chris Tarrant Award, sponsored by The Oracle, in recognition of its “outstanding contribution to the Reading community.”
The Skangsters
A band at the heart of Reading’s music scene for more than 30 years have been nominated for the Music Legacy Award, sponsored by Vale & West.