Nominations open for Gwobr Dewi Sant, Wales’ top civic honour
The First Minister invites the public to nominate individuals, groups or organisations for the newly‑named Gwobr Dewi Sant, with 11 categories and a ceremony slated for June 2027.
The First Minister has opened nominations for Gwobr Dewi Sant: The National Award of Wales, the country’s highest civic honour.
Rhun ap Iorwerth announced the launch of the awards under their new name, replacing the former St David Awards, and urged the public to put forward those who have “gone above and beyond in their contribution to their community”.
I am delighted to launch Gwobr Dewi Sant: The National Award of Wales this year. Wales is home to extraordinary individuals and organisations making a real difference, and this award will recognise their achievements in a uniquely Welsh way.
Nominations will be accepted until 4 December 2026, with the winners to be celebrated at a ceremony in the Senedd on 17 June 2027.
Eleven categories are on offer this year, ten of which can be nominated for by the public.
The list includes Business and Innovation, Bravery, Community Champion, Culture, Environment, Public Service, Sport, Volunteering, Young Person and the newly created Children’s Champion, which will spotlight those making a significant impact on Welsh children.
The eleventh prize, the First Minister’s Special Award, will be selected directly by the First Minister and is presented alongside around 40 other awards at the June ceremony.
Since their inception in 2014, the awards – then known as the St David Awards – have honoured more than 300 inspirational figures across Wales, ranging from community volunteers to elite athletes.
Previous recipients of the First Minister’s Special Award include actress Ruth Jones, celebrated for her role in “Gavin and Stacey”, and business leaders Henry Engelhardt CBE and Diane Briere de l’Isle Engelhardt OBE.
The revamped format aims to broaden public participation, with the Children’s Champion category reflecting a growing focus on youth welfare and education.
Organisers stress that the awards are intended to showcase the breadth of Welsh talent and dedication, highlighting achievements that might otherwise remain unseen beyond local communities.
Nomination forms and detailed guidance are available on the official government portal, where entrants can submit supporting evidence and a brief description of the nominee’s impact.
While the public can nominate in most categories, the First Minister’s Special Award will be decided behind closed doors, allowing the First Minister to recognise an individual or organisation of particular personal significance.
Industry observers note that the awards have become a benchmark of excellence in Wales, often boosting the profile of winners and attracting further investment or support for their causes.
With the deadline now set for early December, campaigners and community groups are already mobilising to ensure their local heroes are put forward before the window closes.
The upcoming ceremony promises to be a showcase of Welsh pride, with the Senedd’s historic chamber providing a fitting backdrop for the nation’s most distinguished contributors.