Shropshire communities invited to shine as 2026 Best Kept Village Awards launch

The 2025 County Winners Worthen & Brockton being presented with their certificate by three of our Shropshire-based trustees at the Awards Ceremony which took place in October at Park House Hotel, Shifnal

This prestigious competition, which celebrates the dedication and communal pride found across Shropshire, Telford, and Wrekin, is now welcoming applications from a wide range of local groups and residents.

Managed by the Community Foundation for Staffordshire and Shropshire, the awards have seen a remarkable resurgence since being relaunched three years ago.

Originally a staple of local life until the 1990s, the modern iteration of the programme has evolved to reflect the changing needs of 2026. Organisers have made it clear that while aesthetic beauty remains a factor, the competition now prioritises "community spirit" over mere "picture-postcard" perfection.

A Modern Approach to Community Pride

Leigh Willott, the awards manager for the Community Foundation, noted that the initiative has gone from strength to strength. Last year saw a doubling of entries, and early interest suggests that 2026 will set a new record for participation. Willott emphasised that as the county’s only accredited Community Foundation, recognising the efforts of those creating thriving, supportive environments is a core part of their mission.

The criteria for this year’s awards are comprehensive. Beyond general upkeep and cleanliness led by volunteers, judges will be looking for exceptional community participation and creative local initiatives. Sustainability also takes centre stage, with a particular focus on environmental care and a commitment to nature. This shift ensures that the awards remain relevant to contemporary challenges and celebrate those making a tangible difference to their local surroundings.

New Categories for a New Era

In an exciting development for 2026, the programme is expanding its scope with several supplemental categories. For the first time, Shropshire will mirror the long-standing Staffordshire awards by introducing "Living Countryside" categories. Perhaps most notably, a brand-new "Under 25s Film Category" has been launched in partnership with the Earth Stories Film Festival. This initiative invites young filmmakers to document sustainable practices and celebrate the places they call home through a digital lens.

Joseph Smith, Head of Business Development and Philanthropy at the Community Foundation, explained that the awards are no longer exclusive to traditional rural villages. Entries are now actively encouraged from housing estates and specific wards within districts. Smith noted that the most successful entries are often those that demonstrate the greatest level of involvement from a diverse range of residents.

How to Get Involved

For those looking to learn more, the Community Foundation is hosting a series of online briefing sessions on Tuesdays throughout February, March, and April. These sessions are designed to guide prospective entrants through the process and offer tips on how to showcase their community’s best assets. Interested parties are encouraged to contact the Foundation on 01743 295900 to book a free place.

The deadline for submissions is 30th April 2026. Following the entry period, judging will take place across the county during the summer months, culminating in a grand Awards Ceremony in the autumn. Winners will receive a cash prize intended for reinvestment into local projects, further boosting the quality of life for residents.

Entry forms and full guidance can be found on the official website at bkvc.org.uk.