The Northern Ireland Veteran Awards are officially returning for 2026, continuing to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements, resilience, and contribution of the veteran and Armed Forces community across Northern Ireland.
Now entering their fifth year, the Awards provide an important platform to honour the individuals, organisations, charities, reservists, cadet force adult volunteers, and businesses making a lasting impact within communities across the region.
This year’s Awards are proudly partnered with Thales, with Walking With The Wounded joining as the official charity partner for 2026.
From leadership and entrepreneurship to volunteering, advocacy, wellbeing, and community support, the Awards shine a spotlight on those who continue to demonstrate service, commitment, and dedication long after leaving the Armed Forces.
Open to individuals from all backgrounds and nationalities who have served within the UK Armed Forces, Irish Defence Forces, or allied military services, the Awards celebrate the positive contribution veterans continue to make throughout Northern Ireland in business, charity work, local communities, and public life.
Nominations are free to submit and are open to the public, organisations, colleagues, friends, family members, and self nominations. Entries close on 5th July 2026, with all submissions reviewed by an independent judging panel made up of respected figures from across the Army, Royal Navy, RAF, veteran, business, and wider community sectors.
Speaking about the launch of this year’s Awards, Connect Through Service Founder Jason Gillard said:
“The Northern Ireland Veteran Awards continue to showcase the incredible people within our Armed Forces community who are making a real and lasting impact across society. Every year we are inspired by the stories, resilience, leadership, and dedication shown by our nominees, and we are proud to provide a platform that recognises and celebrates those achievements. These Awards are about recognising the people behind the service and the positive contribution they continue to make within our communities every day.”
The winners will be announced at a prestigious gala awards ceremony on Thursday 22nd October 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Belfast, bringing together representatives from across the Armed Forces and veteran community for an evening dedicated to recognition, reflection, and celebration.
Whether nominating a colleague, supporting a finalist, or sharing the stories of those making a difference, the Northern Ireland Veteran Awards continue to provide an opportunity to recognise the people behind the service and celebrate the impact they make every day.
Pictured at the launch of the Northern Ireland Veteran Awards 2026 are Jason Gillard, Founder of the Awards, Colonel Matt Willis (British Army), Wing Commander Jacqueline Rankin (Royal Air Force), Commander Tom Wardley (Royal Navy), David Johnstone (Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner), Kenny Topping of Title Sponsor Thales, and Louise McCreadie of official charity partner Walking With The Wounded.
