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Calor started the competition as it felt that Welsh villages would benefit from having their own competition that could be devoted specifically to their needs.
Organised by Calor the awards provide villages in the Principality, with a population of 5,000 and under, with the opportunity to gain recognition and reward for their achievements.
 This year, the competition is being supported by OneVoiceWales, the voice of Community and Town Councils in Wales.
OneVoiceWales joins a number of organisations who have given their backing to the competition and the benefits it can bring to Welsh villages.
How can your community benefit?
These competitions are the perfect opportunity for communities to focus on their achievements. By working together for a common, competitive cause, communities can build a platform for future development.
One of the key elements of the Calor Village of the Year® for Wales competition is to encourage communities to work together to safeguard the long-term viability of local life. The battle against social exclusion, which is a real problem in today's hustle-and-bustle society, can be supported through the competition, with tangible results.
 There are many benefits to entering: winning communities will benefit from increased kudos, helping to get themselves heard in matters of local concern. The increased media coverage, which accompanies entry to the competition, can attract attention from beyond the local area, with the potential to attract investment from all over Wales.
A promotional postcard featuring the new Calor Village of the Year Wales logo has now been released. Download a copy simply by clicking on the image >>.
How Villages Enter
The Calor Village of the Year® for Wales competition is open to all rural communities throughout Wales with a population of 5,000 or under. Entry is open to Community Councils or other community groups if they meet any of the following criteria:
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A ‘not for profit’ local organisation or trust set up to improve the social, economic or environmental health of the local community. |
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A strong emphasis on the involvement of local individuals or groups active within the community. |
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Partnerships, networks or forums acting within a localised community.
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Download the Calor Village of the Year® for Wales entry form (word doc)
PLEASE NOTE - THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES HAS NOW PASSED.
The judges are looking for: “Well balanced, pro-active, caring village communities which, irrespective of size, have made the best of local opportunities to maintain and enhance the quality of life for all inhabitants.”
See our guide to help you assess the potential of your own village in the competition. The guide details all competition categories as well as the judging criteria - it's an ideal way to evaluate your village's strengths and weaknesses.
The Categories
The competition is not about pretty window boxes and the village green. The entry categories cover a variety of community issues from contribution to the village's young people, to the environment and the elderly.
The competition assesses communities on four aspects of rural village life: People, Environment, Business and Communications. You are also asked to tell us in less than 500 words, 'What makes your Village a special place?' Villages can enter as many or as few of the categories as they wish. Equal consideration for category awards will be given to villages entering selected categories, as to those entering all four categories. However, for a village to be considered for the overall titles, it will need to enter all four categories (having a go is enough - you don't have to be great in all of them to win a major prize).
The Prizes
National Winner = £1,500
Three Regional Winners (Calor Village of the Year® for North Wales, Mid and West Wales and South Wales) = £1,500 each
Four National Category Winners (People, Business, Environment and Communications
categories) = £500 each
All prize winners will also receive commemorative plaques and/or certificates.
More Information
PLEASE NOTE: The overall winners for North Wales and South Wales in last year's competition are not eligible to enter the current Calor Village of the Year® for Wales competition.
If you are unsure about your group’s eligibility or require
more information, please contact the Calor Village of the Year®
for Wales competition, by calling Brian Challis on 01962 629768,
or e-mailing info@calorvillageoftheyear.org
For media enquiries, please call Emma Flinn on 0161 817 4221.
PLEASE NOTE - THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES HAS NOW PASSED.
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