Criccieth Crafters have gained a top three place in the Keep Wales Tidy Community Group Resilience Award 2026.

The award was a new category this year, introduced to recognise groups that have successfully strengthened their financial sustainability and long-term resilience.

Shortlisted alongside Criccieth Crafters were Merthyr Town FC Society and the eventual winners, Cardiff Rivers.

The awards ceremony took place at the Temple of Peace in Cardiff on 7 October.

Dr Catrin Jones, Criccieth Town Council Clerk, said: “It was a privilege to be in a room with around 100 people representing so many individuals and groups making a genuine difference to their communities.

“The stories ranged from volunteers transforming neglected spaces, to young people leading environmental action in their schools, and groups creating cleaner, greener and more connected communities.

“By bringing creativity and a strong community spirit to the High Street, Criccieth Crafters have created a welcoming focal point that celebrates local identity, supports wellbeing and helps reduce social isolation. Through handmade crafts, public art and seasonal displays, the group has breathed new life into the town while supporting local initiatives and making use of materials donated by members of the community.”

By combining creativity, entrepreneurship and community spirit, while also supporting charitable causes, Criccieth Crafters have helped strengthen the social and economic fabric of the town, ensuring their positive impact will continue for years to come.

Criccieth Crafters developed as a natural extension of the town council’s Creative Criccieth initiative and forms an integral part of the community plan developed in partnership with local residents. The plan itself also received recognition this year, winning the One Voice Wales Best Sustainability Initiative Award, the organisation that represents town and community councils across Wales.

Criccieth is rightly proud of the Crafters’ achievements and this well-deserved national recognition, and the achievement has received positive comments online.