Looking back on The Armed Forces Community Awards 2026
Just over a week ago, the magnificent Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Ballroom filled with finalists, partners, supporters and friends from across the Armed Forces community.
Today, with the excitement settling and the team finally catching its breath, we're reflecting on what was an unforgettable Armed Forces Community Awards at Soldiering On 2026. The Awards are often described as a celebration of achievement.
They are.
But they're also something more.
They're a reminder of what is possible when people, organisations and communities come together with a shared commitment to support those who serve, those who have served and the families who stand alongside them.
For one evening, the spotlight belonged to the Armed Forces community and what a community it is.
A Night to Remember
From the moment guests arrived, there was a sense that this year's Awards would be something special.
The ballroom buzzed with conversation as finalists met judges and partners, old friends reunited and new connections were formed.
On stage, Jeremy Vine guided proceedings with his trademark wit and warmth, keeping the audience entertained while ensuring the focus remained exactly where it belonged: on the stories, achievements and people being recognised.
Throughout the evening, guests were treated to incredible performances from the Kings of Dhol, Alfie Boe, The Swingtime Sweethearts and Christina Johnston, each helping to create an atmosphere worthy of the occasion.
Yet as memorable as the performances were, it was the conversations taking place around the room that truly captured the spirit of the evening. Stories shared, lessons exchanged, partnerships strengthened and a community coming together to celebrate itself.
Celebrating Extraordinary People
Every finalist arrived with a story worth telling, every finalist had already achieved something remarkable.
For our winners, the evening offered a moment of well-deserved recognition. But the Awards have never been solely about trophies.
They exist to shine a light on the people and organisations creating positive change across the Armed Forces community every single day.
To every finalist, thank you for allowing us to tell your stories and celebrate your achievements. You made this year's Awards what they were. Remarkable!
Thank You to Our Partners
Events like these are only possible because of the organisations that choose to invest in and support the Armed Forces community.
Our partners do far more than sponsor categories.
They create opportunities for stories to be heard, achievements to be recognised and communities to come together. We are incredibly grateful to every partner who helped make this year's Awards possible.
Together, you helped deliver a truly memorable evening and ensured that the people at the heart of our community received the recognition they deserve.
The Silent Auction Makes a Difference
One of the most inspiring aspects of Awards Night happened away from the stage.
Thanks to the generosity of guests, donors and supporters, this year's Silent Auction raised valuable funds in support of the Soldiering On Academy.
Every bid placed and every item donated contributes towards helping the Academy continue its work supporting members of the Armed Forces community.
To everyone who donated, bid and supported the auction, thank you.
Your generosity will have a lasting impact long after Awards Night itself.
2026 Winners
Animal Partnership Award in Partnership with Pets at Home
Hounds for Heroes
Business Start-Up Award in Partnership with Barclays
Emily Rose Fine Arts and Framing
Business Scale-Up Award in Partnership with LSEG Foundation
Glazing Refurbishment Ltd
Community Impact Award in Partnership with BAE Systems
Hull 4 Heroes
Defence Inclusivity Award in Partnership with Babcock
Britain's Bravest Manufacturing Company
Education, Training and Development Award in Partnership with Reed in Partnership
The Open University: The Disabled Veterans' Scholarships Fund
Employee Champion Award in Partnership with Landmarc
Laura Blair
Connecting Society Award in Partnership with DXC
Veteran Friendly Framework
Healthcare and Rehabilitation Award in Partnership with Redwood Technologies Group
PTSD Resolution Group CIO
Inspiration Award in Partnership with NatWest
Rick Clement
Lifetime Achievement Award in Partnership with Oracle
David Dent MBE
Working Together Award in Partnership with Forces in Mind Trust
The NHS Armed Forces healthcare training and education programme
Thank You
To everyone who attended, the finalists, the winners, the partners, the performers, the volunteers, the supporters and everyone who helped create such a special atmosphere throughout the evening.
Thank you.
The trophies have been presented, the stage has been cleared, the ballroom lights have dimmed, but the stories, achievements and connections celebrated on Awards Night will continue long after the event itself.
And that's exactly what the Armed Forces Community Awards at Soldiering On are all about.
If this year's Awards demonstrated anything, it is that there is no shortage of ambition, innovation and commitment across the Armed Forces community.
And that's why we're already looking ahead.
Planning, conversations and ideas for next year's Awards are already beginning, and we're committed to making 2027 even bigger, even better and even more impactful. Nominations open in January 2027 and Awards night is provisionally scheduled for Thursday September 16th 2027.
For now, we'll continue celebrating this year's finalists and winners.
But we cannot wait to see what the next twelve months will bring.
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