Forecourt and roadside retail business Ascona Group has confirmed its return as headline sponsor of the Child of Wales Awards 2026, one of Wales’ most prestigious red-carpet events, celebrating the courage, resilience and achievements of remarkable young people across the nation.
Headquartered in Pembrokeshire, Wales, Ascona Group is one of the UK’s fastest-growing independent forecourt operators, with a network of more than 70 sites nationwide and over 900 employees. The business provides leading roadside retail services to more than 300,000 customers every week and supplies over five million litres of fuel weekly, with many of its sites operating at the heart of the communities they serve.
Ascona Group’s decision to return as headline sponsor for a second consecutive year reflects its long-standing commitment to community support and giving — a core part of the Group’s values and culture since its foundation in 2011.
Presented by Welsh BBC television personality Gethin Jones, the awards ceremony is attended by around 650 guests, including winners and their families, sponsors, celebrities, sporting stars and media representatives. Since its launch five years ago, the Child of Wales Awards has raised more than £300,000 for child and youth-centred charities across Wales.
The 2026 awards ceremony will take place at the Swansea Building Society Arena on 2 October 2026.
Ascona Group founder and CEO Darren Briggs said:
“We are incredibly proud to be returning as headline sponsor of the Child of Wales Awards for the second year running. The awards celebrate inspiring young people who truly represent the very best of Wales.
“Our continued support reflects Ascona Group’s commitment to recognising and championing the achievements of young people across Wales and supporting the communities in which we operate.”
With nominations now open across 12 award categories, Child of Wales Awards founder Blanche Sainsbury added:
“Without the continued support of Ascona Group, alongside the loyalty of other businesses, these awards simply wouldn’t be possible. Each year, I am genuinely moved by the generosity shown — whether through sponsorship, auction prizes, purchasing tables, or contributing time and expertise. That support helps us shine a light on truly extraordinary young people and their families.”
The free-to-enter awards celebrate inspirational individuals under the age of 20 who live in, or were born in, Wales. Categories recognise courage in the face of adversity, leadership, caring for others, fundraising, sporting achievement and acts of kindness within local communities.
Through the Ascona Giving programme, Ascona Group supports a wide range of community initiatives, including children’s sports teams and foodbank charities, and has donated more than £800,000 to good causes since 2017. The Group has also pledged to donate £1 million to Wales Air Ambulance over the next 10 years.
For more information about the Child of Wales Awards, visit the website or view highlights from the 2025 ceremony here