Communities across Ceredigion will have the opportunity to apply for a bronze award at the Caru Ceredigion awards 2026.
For communities who were successful in winning bronze in 2025, there is now an opportunity for them to win a silver award in 2026.
The Caru’ch Cymuned award will recognise and celebrate the exceptional efforts and accomplishments of communities within the county.
Caru’ch Cymuned is aimed at fostering a sense of pride in communities across the county, while encouraging people to take part in activities and initiatives that enhance the environment, support local businesses, and strengthen community cohesion and resilience. The Caru Ceredigion Awards are administrated by the Cynnal y Cardi team at Ceredigion County Council.
The competition provides an opportunity for Ceredigion communities, however small, to be recognised and celebrated for their community spirit, which includes pride of place, neighbourly commitment and community driven activities and initiatives.
Communities large and small are being encouraged to enter.
There are three sub-categories to the Caru’ch Cymuned competition.
- Small village (Villages which have fewer than five amenities)
- Village (Individual villages or a specified area within a community or Town Council area which has five amenities or more)
- Town (The towns of Aberaeron, Cardigan, Aberystwyth, New Quay, Lampeter, Llandysul and Tregaron. i.e. towns with a Place Plan)
Applications must be submitted by a recognised body which is representative of the community such as a Town Council, Community Council, club or voluntary organisations within the community. Only one application per individual community can be submitted. Joint applications by clubs or voluntary organisations on behalf of the community are welcome. The organisation applying on behalf of the community must be formally constituted.
The panel of external judges will assess evidence presented to illustrate community led activities, events and initiatives, effective communication and the care and condition of public areas within the community which reflect the effort in creating vibrant, caring communities.
Councillor Clive Davies Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Carbon Management said:
“The Caru’ch Cymuned award is about recognising the pride, care and commitment that exist in communities across Ceredigion. We know that strong communities are built by the people who live and work in them, and this award celebrates the local action, partnership and volunteer spirit that makes such a positive difference. I would encourage communities of all sizes to consider entering and to showcase the excellent work they do to support one another, enhance their local environment, and strengthen community life.”
The shortlisted finalists from each subcategory will be announced at the awards ceremony on Thursday 10th of December 2026.
The first step is to register interest in competing and submitting an Expression of Interest form which is located here before Monday 8th of June, 2026.
Full application form and guidance notes can be found here or by visiting the following webpage: Caru'ch Cymuned 2026 – Ceredigion County Council
The full application form will need to be completed and submitted by Monday 7th of September 2026 along with all supporting evidence such as photo’s, links to websites, social media platforms, posters, and other communication materials.
A map outlining the community area will be required and the locations of amenities and features to be assessed need to be identified either on the map and / or listed clearly for judges visiting in early September 2026.
Maps can either be downloaded from Google maps, hand drawn or downloaded from here.
For any enquiries e-mail the Cynnal y Cardi team: ce.cynnalycardi@ceredigion.gov.uk
