Major UK soul band to headline Child of Wales Awards 2026

Daniel Bevan - Editor

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A major UK soul band is set to perform at this year’s Ascona Group Child of Wales Awards which has already sold out several months ahead of its star-studded ceremony.

Organisers have announced that The Brand New Heavies, one of the UK’s most successful soul and acid jazz bands, will headline the red carpet-style evening on 2 October at the Swansea Building Society Arena.

The announcement comes at a time when a number of live events across the UK are facing cancellation due to sponsorship shortfalls, making the continued growth of the Welsh awards even more significant.

Rising to prominence in the 1990s with hits including Midnight at the Oasis, Dream On Dreamer and Never Stop, The Brand New Heavies have sold millions of records worldwide and remain one of Britain’s most recognisable live soul acts.

TV presenter Gethin Jones returns for the fifth time as host of the annual black-tie awards, which recognise the remarkable achievements and courage of children and young people from across Wales.

He will be joined by 700 guests, including winners and their families, sponsors, celebrities, sporting stars, influencers and members of the media, who will hear the winners’ stories and see The Brand New Heavies perform.

Founder and organiser, Blanche Sainsbury, said: “Reaching our fifth year feels incredibly special and to have sold every table so far in advance, while welcoming The Brand New Heavies to help us celebrate, is both humbling and heartwarming.

“Traditionally, a fifth anniversary is symbolised by wood meaning something strong, rooted and built to last, and that feels very fitting for what these awards have become in Wales.

“What began as a vision to recognise extraordinary young people has grown into something woven into the fabric of Welsh business and community life.

“We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, many of whom have supported us since the beginning, and to the new businesses joining us this year.

“At a time when events across the UK are facing uncertainty, the continued backing we receive here in Wales speaks volumes about the commitment to celebrating and investing in our young people.”

Nominations for the 2026 awards opened in January and organisers say they have already received powerful and inspiring stories from across Wales.

The nominations window remains open until 30 June, and members of the public are encouraged to put forward someone they believe deserves recognition.

Headline sponsor Ascona Group returns for 2026, alongside a strong line-up of corporate partners including Azets, BDP Wales, Blue Tiger, Bluestone Wales, Browne Jacobson, Cariad Occasions, Castell Howell, CJCH Solicitors, Gower College, Green Hat Consulting, JCP Solicitors, LBS Building Merchants, Lunar 3D, Owens Group, Route Media, Simply Elegant, Sinclair Group, Swansea Building Society, Swansea City FC, Team Wales, Thomas Carroll, Trade Centre Wales, Ultra Evo Group and Westacres. The awards choir will once again be led by Mark Jermin.