Young Islanders are being invited to design the trophies for the 2027 Vectis Radio Community Awards, with the winning artwork etched into wood.
Vectis Radio has launched a competition for children and young people aged 4 to 19, giving them the chance to create a design that will feature on the trophies presented to award winners next year.
The awards, which celebrate individuals, groups and organisations making a difference across the Isle of Wight, will take place on 23rd April 2027.
For the first time, winners will receive physical trophies, with the radio station teaming up with local craftsman Gordy’s Wood to produce a series of bespoke wooden awards.
The design competition has the theme ‘Community on the Isle of Wight’, with entrants encouraged to interpret what community means to them.
Designs must be produced without colour, as the winning artwork will be laser etched onto wood. Entries can be created on paper or digitally, with photographs of physical artwork required to be clear and free from shadows.
Schools, youth organisations and community groups are being encouraged to get involved, with Vectis Radio offering to arrange bulk collections of physical entries where required.
The initiative builds on the station’s work with young people through its 4PS Radio Training School, which has helped more than 500 young Islanders develop skills in presenting, producing, podcasting and promotion.
Station Manager Ian Mac said:
“We have always believed that young people should have a voice and an opportunity to be heard. The 4PS Radio Training School has shown us just how much talent, creativity and potential there is among young people on the Isle of Wight.
“The Community Awards are about celebrating the people who make our Island special, and this year we wanted to make sure young people were at the very heart of that celebration.
“Giving a young person the opportunity to design a trophy that will be presented to community heroes across the Island is something really special. Their artwork could become part of the history of the Vectis Radio Community Awards.”
Participating schools and organisations will receive recognition through the awards and associated promotional activities, while a digital toolkit containing posters, newsletter material and other resources will also be made available.
Event organiser Kacie Hayden said:
“This is much more than a design competition. It is about giving young people ownership of something that will be seen and treasured across the Island.
“Imagine seeing a trophy at the Vectis Radio Community Awards and knowing that the design was created by a young person from your school or organisation. That is a brilliant opportunity, and we would love to see as many young people as possible get involved.”
Public voting for the Community Awards is expected to open in early 2027.
Schools and organisations wishing to participate are asked to contact Vectis Radio to register their interest.
Designs can be submitted through the Vectis Radio website at www.vectisradio.com.
