A spotlight has been shone on the Congleton residents making a difference in the community.

The second annual Congleton Town Mayor's Civic Awards took place on Thursday, May 14, as part of the Annual Town Meeting.

Volunteers, community groups and supporters filled the Town Hall to recognise the dedication, kindness and community spirit prevalent in Congleton.

Among those to pick up a prize was Congleton Live CIC Limited, who are responsible for both the Congleton Unplugged and Congleton Jazz and Blues music festivals.

Mark Bailey, chair of the company, said: "The awards event is a great idea that shows the breadth and depth of community spirit in this great town.

"The mayor's award to our team is a fitting tribute to all our stakeholders.

"That includes past and present volunteers, venues, sponsors, funders, performers, media partners, and supporters who have helped Congleton Live develop through the past 16 years.

"Their energy and commitment have made live music a central part of Congleton's identity and ensured that the town continues to benefit from events that are welcoming, vibrant and community focused.

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"We were incredibly pleased, surprised, and humbled to be selected by the judges from the fantastic list of finalists that deliver particularly challenging direct social care and help in our community.

"They are all very worthy causes making our selection seem much more important."

The second annual Congleton Town Mayor's Civic Awards took place at the Annual Town Meeting earlier this month (Credit: CTC)

Congleton Live was named the Team Winner at the Town Mayor's Civic Awards.

This accolade celebrates not only the organisation's success in staging festivals, but also its long-term role in promoting the town, strengthening community pride, and creating opportunities for people to connect through music.

The volunteers behind the company are now busy working towards the next Congleton Jazz & Blues Festival, which takes place across Saturday, August 29, and Sunday, August 30.

Another worthy winner at this year's awards was Ian Carter from No Tier Snooker, who received the Community Involvement Award.

"This is for setting up No Tier Snooker and running local snooker events with top players such as Dennis Taylor and Steve Davis in the town," said a spokesperson for the group that supports people living with early onset dementia and frontotemporal dementia.

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"Ian was also a finalist in the Wellbeing Award category which was won by Diane Ritherdon for services to dementia in the local area. Well deserved Diane!"

A full list of winners can be found below.

Congleton Town Mayor's Civic Awards winners 2026

• Arts & Culture Award - Sergey Kamenskiy, Congleton Museum
• Community Involvement Award - Ian Carter, No Tier Snooker (Highly Commended: Anthony Bolding, Beartown Rickshaw)
• Environment Award - Alyssa Baines, Big Clothes Movement (Highly Commended: Jo Lancaster, Rotary Congleton)
• Good Neighbour Award - Moira Hagon
• Wellbeing Award - Diane Ritherdon, Dementia Friendly Congleton
• Young Volunteer Award - Dan Smith
• Team Award - Congleton Live
• Unsung Hero Award - Alec and Val Scaresbrook