The Menter Aberystwyth Awards (formerly the Aber First Awards) returned on Thursday, 9th October, for an inspiring evening celebrating the people, businesses and organisations that make Aberystwyth such a vibrant and special place to live and work.
Held in the Aberystwyth Arts Centre, the annual awards brought together members of the community to recognise outstanding achievements across a wide range of categories — from sustainability and culture to sport, business innovation and community spirit.
This year’s winners demonstrated the passion, creativity and resilience that continue to drive the town forward.
Winners of the Menter Aberystwyth Awards 2025
- Overall Winner: AberPoeth
- Sustainability Award, sponsored by Probert & Williams Opticians: Sero Aberystwyth
- Event of the Year, sponsored by LEB Construction: Aber Beer Fest
- Retail Excellence Award, sponsored by PJE Accountants: Cardigan Bay Designs
- Food & Drink Champion, sponsored by Driftwood Designs: Bottle & Barrel and The Bank Vault
- Sports & Wellbeing Award, sponsored by Boswell Technical Services: Bae Ceredigion Dolphins
- Trader of the Year, sponsored by CB Environmental: LEB Construction
- Welsh Language Champion, sponsored by Morgan LaRoche: Siop Inc
- Creative Arts & Literature Award, sponsored by Sero Aberystwyth: Oriel y Bae – Bay Gallery
- Community Spirit Award, sponsored by Iestyn Leyshon Estate Agents: The Well
- Professional Services Excellence Award, sponsored by the NFU Mutual: PJE Accountants
- New Business of the Year, sponsored by Medina: AberPoeth
- Aberystwyth Ambassador, sponsored by Hiwse Estates: Aberystwyth Town Football Club
- Paul James Award: Glenys Morgan
The awards evening shone a light on the wide variety of projects, enterprises and individuals who make a positive difference in the community. From sustainable innovation and cultural celebration to local entrepreneurship and language promotion, each winner reflected the energy and dedication that define Aberystwyth.
Menter Aberystwyth extends sincere congratulations to all the winners and nominees, and thanks everyone who contributed to this year’s awards — including sponsors, judges, and attendees who helped make the evening a success.
As the town looks ahead to another year of creativity and growth, the 2025 awards stand as a testament to the strength and spirit of the local community.
Our core funders, Aberystwyth Town Council & Aberystwyth University Our secret judges who reviewed over 70 applications The Aberystwyth Arts Centre, their staff (for their patience), and the tech team who added extra sparkle to the night Rob, our photographer @thrtyfivecreativestudio – the album is now live! Sara Gibson, our fantastic MC for the evening @overthefallspodcast for capturing the event so beautifully @dawnswelshgifts for crafting stunning bespoke trophies in such a short time – we highly recommend Scott & Dawn! Our amazing volunteers, without who these events wouldn’t happen Lastly, a massive thank you to Lowri Steffan @stiwdiodots who stepped in at the last minute to decorate the room – it looked absolutely stunning!