Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, has unveiled the shortlist for the Gateshead Awards 2026, giving residents the chance to vote for their local heroes. The awards celebrate individuals and groups who have made a real difference in the community across ten categories, from volunteering to climate action.
The shortlist features nominees for Business in the Community, Carer of the Year, Maureen Chaplin Sports Achiever of the Year, Music Group/Musician of the Year, Sports Club, Tackling Climate Change, Voluntary/Charitable Organisation, Volunteer of the Year, Young Achiever, and Armed Forces in the Community. Organisers are encouraging everyone to have their say by casting their votes before the deadline on Sunday, 10 May 2026.
The awards, now in their 18th year, are presented annually by the Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Freda Geddes. Geddes, a lifelong resident of the borough and former teacher, has presided over the awards for the past year. The ceremony will take place on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, where the winners in each category will be announced.
This year’s awards are supported by local businesses including Crosslings Plumbers, Gateshead College, Gateshead FC, Komatsu, Metrocentre, and Northgate. These sponsors help ensure the event remains a highlight in the community calendar, recognising the outstanding contributions of individuals and organisations.
Among the nominees this year are young achievers like Kacie Burns, a former apprentice now serving on the board of Gateshead Community Organisation, and Isabelle Fisher, a member of the England Women’s Rugby U18s squad. Wardley Primary School’s Vex Robotics team, which competed in the 2025 VEX Robotics World Championships in Dallas, is also in the running for the Young Achiever award.
Residents are urged to take part in the voting process, which closes on 10 May 2026. The winners will be revealed at a ceremony on 24 June 2026, where the contributions of these local heroes will be celebrated. For more details on how to vote and the full shortlist, visit the Gateshead Awards website.
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