Finalists Announced For 2026 Vectis Radio Community Awards

Vectis Radio has announced the finalists for its 2026 Isle of Wight Community Awards.

Now in its fourth year, the annual awards ceremony will take place on Friday 27th March at Caffe Isola, which is also the event’s headline sponsor.

This year’s awards will be presented by the High Sheriff, Jacqueline Gazzard, with a number of new categories introduced for 2026.

Two special awards will also be revealed on the night — one chosen by the independent judging panel and another selected by Vectis Radio.

Station Manager Ian Mac said:

“Once again we have added our own personal thanks to someone who has not only assisted us at Vectis Radio, but works very hard to support community organisations across the Island.

"This award is our personal award to a special person.

“Our very special thanks also go to our headline sponsors again this year, Caffe Isola, who have enabled us to put this event on whilst keeping prices affordable.”

The Finalists

Village Hero Award

• Lesley Wheeler, Vectis Wombles

• Tim Gibbs, Yarmouth Pharmacy

• Rodney “Worzel” Walmsley, Entertainer

Volunteer Of The Year

• Janet and John Strickland, Supporting Older People

• John Steele, Stenbury Hall – Wroxall Community Association

• Mark Wheeler, IW Cat Centre

Fundraising Award

• Stephanie Jeffery, Sandown Family Events

• Sally Faulkner, Community Spirited Cafe

• Peter May, To Be In Her Shoes

Sports Coach/Leader Of The Year

• Mark Powell, Brading Town FC

• Kay Howard, Vocal Coach

• Colin Jackson, Man v Fat Football

Community Project Of The Year

• East Cowes Carnival – revived after a thirty-year break by a dedicated group of volunteers

• Mindset Bros – a community-led mental health project

• Baby Box – providing essential items to support families with children

Island School/Club Achievement

• Dance-Vibez, Sandown

• Creationz Dance Academy, East Cowes

Young Person Of The Year

• Harry Day, Community Spirited Cafe

• Darcy Weedall, Sandown Canoe Lake

• Thomas Young, Vectis Corps of Drums

Good Neighbour Of The Year

• Kathy Barter

• Cheryl Burtwell

Overall Community Champion

The Overall Community Champion will be decided by public vote from a shortlist provided by the judges:

• Mindset Bros – a community-led mental health project

• John Steele – volunteer, Wroxall Community Association

• Double Portion Church – a Newport church providing food, practical help and spiritual care

Voting is now open on the Vectis Radio website and closes at midnight on Friday 13th March.

Event organiser Maggie Currie said:

“This year proved difficult once again for our panel of independent judges, who had a tough job sorting through all the applications, and our heartfelt thanks go out to them.

“I am excited to find out how the public voted for the Overall Community Champion. Thank you to all those who have taken part.

“Once again we are able to hold an affordable ceremony that puts the finalists in their well-deserved spotlight.

"Thanks to the continuing sponsorship of Caffe Isola, we have kept the ticket price as low as we can. Please come dressed however you feel comfortable.”

Tickets cost £15 each and are available exclusively from Caffe Isola.

To book, call 524800 or visit 85a St James Street, Newport. Doors open at 6.30pm.

The ticket price includes a welcome drink, with food available to order on the night.