The Celebration of Newtown 2026 Awards brought together the very best of our town -recognising individuals, organisations and businesses that make Newtown such a vibrant, supportive and inspiring place to live.
From tireless volunteers and creative leaders to innovative businesses and community champions, this year’s winners and runners up truly reflect the spirit of Newtown.
Outstanding Contribution to Newtown
Aled Woosnam
For his exceptional dedication to service and commitment to Newtown
Honorary Freewoman of Newtown & Llanllwchaiarn
Helen Kynaston
For her remarkable lifetime of voluntary service and unwavering commitment to the people of Newtown.
Award Winners & Runners Up
Climate & Sustainability Award
Winner: Cultivate
Runner Up: Open Energy
Celebrating grassroots climate action, Cultivate stood out for its hands-on Composting Club, promoting sustainable food systems and environmental awareness.
Volunteer of the Year
Winner: Eric Edwards
Runner Up: Janet Elizabeth Rogers MBE
Eric, aged 92, inspires the whole town through his daily litter-picking efforts – come rain, wind or snow – while Janet continues to make a huge impact through community and charity work.
Creative Arts Contribution
Winner: Hafren & Llanidloes Community Choir
Runner Up: Hafan Yr Afon
The choir, led by Charlotte Woodford, brings people together through inclusive, uplifting music that strengthens community wellbeing and connection, while Hafan Yr Afon not only as a welcoming café stop but also as a vibrant arts venue that offers unique and diverse performances, enriching the cultural experience in Newtown.
Local Business of the Year – Leisure, Tourism & Hospitality
Winner: Hafan Yr Afon
Runner Up: Stuart & Jess Jones (Nant-y-Coed Lodges)
Hafan Yr Afon continues to shine as a welcoming hub for community life, while Nant-y-Coed Lodges bring high-quality tourism and showcase the beauty of Mid Wales.
Local Business of the Year – Third Sector Award
Winner: Open Newtown
Runner Up: Platform One
Recognising impactful community organisations, Open Newtown leads the way in environmental stewardship and social inclusion, with Platform One providing a vital safe and creative space.
Local Business of the Year – Innovation & Enterprise
Winner: Johnal Guy Simpson (Hummingbird Lounge)
Runner Up: Phil & Becky Harris (Ohana Sports)
From supporting vulnerable residents with free meals to building a community-focused swimming initiative, both winners demonstrate outstanding entrepreneurial spirit.
Sports Award
Winner: Newtown Rugby Club
Runner Up: Cassia Williams (Chaos & Order)
A celebration of dedication to sport highlighting both grassroots teamwork and individual leadership in building supportive fitness communities.
Young Person / Youth Group of the Year
Winner: Anita Cosnett
Runner Up: Gwen Evans
Anita’s incredible fundraising swim challenge for Dementia UK shows compassion and determination far beyond her years while Gwen Evans has become a vital support for young people in Newtown, creating a safe and inclusive space where they feel valued and encouraged. Her dedication and selfless leadership have helped many build confidence, develop skills and feel a strong sense of belonging within their community.
Citizens Advice Powys Award
Winner: Andrew Coppin
Andrew, through the Newtown Men’s Walking Group, provides vital support by bringing people together to improve wellbeing and reduce isolation. His encouragement and leadership help participants build confidence, stay active and feel part of a strong, supportive community.
Community Grants 2025/26 – Recipients Overview
The Celebration of Newtown Community Grants programme continues to support incredible projects that improve wellbeing, inclusion, and opportunity across our town.
Arts, Culture & Community
Hafren Community Choir – Choir festival, workshops and community singing events
Heritage Hub Mid Wales – Recording and sharing Newtown’s history
Kindness Events Newtown – “Kindness at Christmas” free festive event
Environment & Outdoor Wellbeing
River Severn Custodians – River protection, clean-ups and education
Cultivate Community Garden – Weekly outdoor wellbeing sessions
Open Newtown (Hafan Yr Afon) – Dementia café and nature based activities
Health, Wellbeing & Support
Rekindle – Mental health support for young people
Montgomeryshire Family Crisis Centre – Improving refuge accommodation
Lingen Davies Cancer Support – Yoga support programme
Children & Young People
2nd Newtown Brownies – Cooking equipment and educational resources
2nd Newtown Guide Unit – Residential trips and experiences
Newtown District Guiding – Transport for educational trips
Schools & Education
St Mary’s Catholic Primary School – Outdoor learning and fitness facilities
Ysgol Penygloddfa – Educational trip experiences
Community Care & Inclusion
Hub of Hope / Community Meal Projects – Christmas meals and support for isolated residents
Community Café & warm spaces initiatives – Supporting vulnerable people during winter
Additional Projects
Cre8 Wellbeing – Mindfulness and coaching sessions for children
Hope House Children’s Hospice – Transport accessibility improvements
Celebrating Newtown
This year’s awards and grants highlight the extraordinary dedication, kindness, and innovation that runs throughout Newtown. Whether through volunteering, creativity, sustainability, or community care, each winner, runner-up, and grant recipient plays a vital role in making our town stronger.
Congratulations to everyone involved – you are what makes Newtown truly special.
