The Queens of Halton Winners 2026 Have Been Crowned

There was much excitement, glitz and glamour at DCBL Stadium Halton on Friday 19th June 2026. We were about to celebrate amazing women and crown our Queens of Halton Winners 2026.

The place buzzing before a single award had been announced. Somewhere in the room sat the women who had no idea yet that the night was for them.

All photos credit: Little Wonderland Photography

Exceptional Year for Queens of Halton

The Queens of Halton Awards are now in their third year at DCBL Stadium Halton. Every year the room gets fuller, the nominations get stronger, and the moment the winners are announced gets more electric.

This year, nearly 200 nominations came in across the seven award categories.

We cannot thank the Jo Cox Foundation, enough for once again, choosing our Queens of Halton Award winners. We really wouldn’t fancy that job…

The Queens of Halton Award Categories 2026

Rising Star Award

For a young woman under 18 who already lifts those around her and shows up for her community.

Ray of Light Award

For a woman known for her kindness, her warmth, and the way she makes the people around her feel.

Community Leader of the Year

For a woman at the helm of a charity, group, or grassroots organisation making Halton stronger.

Woman in Business Award

For a woman running or leading a business in Halton and making a positive impact through her work.

Volunteer of the Year Award

For a woman who gives her time, supports others, and brings people together without ever looking for credit.

Queen of Culture Award

For a woman or female-led group who champions, creates, or opens up access to art and culture across Halton.

Jo Cox Make a Difference Award

For a woman who has driven real change in Halton. Her work, her campaign, or her commitment has made life better for the people around her.

The Queens of Halton Experience

We do award celebrations differently…

It’s about the experience, the photo opportunities and of course, the celebration. 

The dancing disco ballhead greeters from Alibi Productions dancing to the Sax Pistols met guests at the door.  There was plenty of time to sign in, pose for a photo and find a seat.

The evening was hosted once again by our favourite celebrant, Kirstie Atherton. The Mayor of Halton, Councillor Pamela Wallace, opened proceedings. The Mayor has chosen Fortuna Female Society as one of her two mayoral charities this year, and we are proud to have her support.

Fortuna Female Society founder Laura Bevan said:

“We were absolutely blown away by this year’s entries. As in previous years, we cannot thank the Jo Cox Foundation enough for helping us recognise and celebrate our very worthy winners.

“We have once again been amazed by the incredible work being carried out by women across Halton, in workplaces, in communities and beyond. The passion, dedication and positive impact of these women is truly inspiring.

“This year felt particularly poignant as we remembered Jo Cox MP for Batley and Spen, ten years on from her tragic murder, and paid tribute to her powerful More in Common message. Her legacy continues to remind us of the importance of kindness, community and celebrating the people who make a difference every day.”

All seven winners were chosen independently by the Jo Cox Foundation.

The Queens of Halton Winners 2026

Jo Cox Make a Difference Award, sponsored by Soroptimists International Widnes: Pauline Ruth

Rising Star Award, sponsored by Sisterella: Georgia Flaherty

Ray of Light Award, sponsored by LetsRoar: Alex Myers

Community Leader of the Year, sponsored by Culture26 Made in Halton: Reverend Linda Dawkin

Woman in Business Award, sponsored by Halton Business Investment and Growth Team: Daisy Healey

Volunteer of the Year Award, sponsored by Halton & St Helens Community Action: Laura Bromley

Queen of Culture Award, sponsored by Culture26 Made in Halton: Rachel Prime

Thank you to our sponsors

Queens of Halton is free to attend and always will be. No woman should miss a night like this because of a ticket price, and that is only possible because of the generosity of the people who back it.

Principal event sponsor of the evening was Regent Business Club.
Table sponsorship from Emris Services.
Booklet sponsorship from Halton Business Investment and Growth Team.
Category sponsors are listed alongside each award winner.
Digital sponsors are in our event guide and listed on the Queens of Halton page.

Free is only possible because of them.

The raffle, chip butties, and the Sax Pistols took care of the rest.

Relive the night

The event guide is available to read and download here: https://fortunafemale.org/queens-of-halton-awards/queens-of-halton-digital-event-programme-2026/