A Pembrokeshire town is in the running to win £20,000 at an awards ceremony in the House of Lords, after being shortlisted for a prestigious national award.
The twin towns of Fishguard and Goodwick are among 50 from across the UK in the running in the third annual Let’s Celebrate Towns awards.
Run by Visa, in collaboration with the British Retail Consortium (BRC Let’s Celebrate Towns is a nationwide initiative designed to recognise towns building thriving local economies.
Fishguard and Goodwick has been shortlisted in the Future Skills category which highlights initiatives that equip residents with skills for future employment opportunities.
The twin towns were shortlisted primarily for the Better Future project led by POINT, a youth service based in Fishguard.
The programme enhances traditional youth work with lifelong learning opportunities for 10–25-year-olds, supporting young people to pursue their interests while gaining practical skills and nationally recognised qualifications in areas such as life skills, wellbeing, and community leadership.
Fishguard and Goodwick’s entry also highlighted wider local efforts to build skills and support employment, such as digital literacy workshops at the local library and skills taster days at community centres, which introduce residents to trades like carpentry, hospitality, and care, where local demand is high and job opportunities are growing.
The twin towns are going up against nine other entries, including Farnbrough, Trowbridge, Gosport, Brighouse, Northampton and Nuneaton.
Rachel Thomson, clerk of Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council said:
"The Town Council is absolutely delighted to hear that Fishguard and Goodwick have been shortlisted in this years Let’s Celebrate Towns awards, in the Future Skills category.
"We understand the nomination is for the POINT to a Better Future Project, and also in recognition of digital literacy workshops held at the local library along with skills taster days hosted in the community.
"It is wonderful for our two towns to be recognised in this way for the activities happening in our community. We wish the nomination every success as it goes before the panel of expert judges."
The panel of judges comprising experts from across business and industry will now review the entries across six categories to decide the final winners.
These will be announced at an awards ceremony in the House of Lords later this month. Each winner will receive £20,000 towards a new or ongoing community initiative.
Zoe Davies, manager of POINT said:
On announcing the shortlist, Mandy Lamb, managing director, UK & Ireland, Visa, said:
“We’re excited to champion towns that are propelling local economic growth and prosperity in the UK, with the goal of unlocking even more potential in the future.
“This year of 'Let’s Celebrate Towns' has attracted a record number of entries, highlighting the passion and creativity in our communities. Anyone on the shortlist should feel immensely proud of their achievement.
“I can’t wait to join the judging panel to explore all the inspiring initiatives and achievements across the nation.”
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