Nominations for the Stowmarket Town Awards 2026 have officially opened. The annual awards celebrate the unsung heroes of Stowmarket who make a difference to community life, giving their time to help and inspire others. The awards also recognise the outstanding achievements of local people, with past winners including recipients of honours from The Queen, British and world champions, and award-winning businesses.
This year introduces two new categories Charity of the Year and The Culture Award recognising the important contributions made by charitable organisations and those who enrich the town’s cultural life.
The Town Council would like to thank the generous sponsors who make the Stowmarket Town Awards possible: MORAR Living, G Tydeman Jewellers, Gateway 14, Modece Architects, Red Gables, Stow Training Ltd, Timberwolf, Rough Diamond Tattoo, Christies Care, Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre, Squab Storage, and Gudgeons Prentice.
Mayor David Child said: “The Town Awards recognise the great people of the town and the community they create. It is a chance to celebrate the remarkable, the kind, the talented, the motivated and the compassionate. The shining lights who make this town wonderful and different. Stowmarket is my home and I love the fact it is full of extraordinary people and groups who do truly remarkable things. The Stowmarket Town Awards is an event that we should all be proud of.”
This year’s award categories are:
Young Person of the Year Award– Awarded to a young person (21 years or under) who deserves recognition for outstanding achievements or for demonstrating determination and resilience in the face of adversity.
Leader of the Year Award– Awarded to a person who has inspired and positively influenced young people through school life, local clubs, groups, or other community settings.
Community Hero of the Year Award– Awarded to an individual or group who has worked tirelessly and selflessly for the benefit of the community, making a meaningful difference to the lives of others.
Sportsperson/ Team of the Year Award – Awarded to a sportsperson or team who has achieved excellence, shown dedication and sportsmanship, or helped others to achieve success in their chosen sport.
Environmental Champion of the Year Award – Awarded to a person or group who has made a positive impact on the town’s environment or contributed to the protection, improvement, or celebration of the town’s natural or historic heritage.
Local Business of the Year Award – Awarded to a business that has demonstrated excellence through strong performance, contribution to the local economy, innovation, or exceptional customer service.
Service with a Smile Award – Awarded to an individual, group, or company who consistently provides outstanding customer service that goes above and beyond expectations.
Charity of the Year Award – Awarded to a charity that has made a significant positive impact within the community through dedication, innovation, volunteer involvement, or the support of those in need.
Culture Award – Awarded to an individual or group who has enriched the cultural life of Stowmarket through the arts, music, performance, heritage, creativity, or activities that bring people together.
Pride in your Town Award – Awarded to an individual, group, or company who has made a significant difference in improving, promoting, or enhancing pride in Stowmarket.
If you wish to nominate a group, business or person for an award you can do so online by filling in a nomination form here. Paper forms are available from Stowmarket Community Centre, The Regal, Food Museum shop, Cedars Park Community Centre, Stowmarket Library or Milton House. To be eligible for an award the nominee must either be based in Stowmarket or have a clear relationship with the town.
Make sure you get your nominations in by Monday 22nd June 2026!
