A Celebration of Community, Creativity, and Cardiff’s Cultural Heartbeat

On Friday night, the red-curtained archway of Cardiff Theatre Café welcomed a crowd not just for an awards ceremony, but for a celebration of Cardiff’s soul. The Cardiffian of the Year Awards, hosted by the ever-charismatic duo Wyburn and Wayne, marked a decade of their on-stage partnership with an evening that was as inclusive as it was electric.

With affordably priced tickets, a lineup of grassroots music talent, and a roll call of community champions, the event proved that cultural relevance doesn’t always require velvet ropes and a red carpet (even though this Ceremony had both!) — just heart, humour, and a great sound system.

Wyburn & Wayne: A Decade of Dazzle and Local Love

There’s a reason Wyburn and Wayne have remained Cardiff’s go-to hosting duo for over ten years — and it’s not just the glitter jackets or perfectly timed punchlines. Their infectious banter brings a sense of performance, yes, but also a deep-rooted sense of place. They know their city, they know their audience, and they know how to make a room feel like a living room — just with better lighting and more sequins.

“We’re proud to be shining a light on Cardiff’s unsung heroes — plus celebrating 10 years of ‘Wyburn and Wayne’ too,” they shared on the night, visibly moved by the energy in the room.

They also paid tribute to the café’s dedicated team of volunteers — Ivan, Kamil, Verity, and Kelly — whose behind-the-scenes work helped transform the venue into a glittering stage for community celebration.

🏆 Cardiff’s Changemakers: The 2025 Honourees

From florists to fundraisers, choirs to community clubs, the Cardiffian of the Year Awards spotlighted the people who make Cardiff tick — not for applause, but because they care. Each category reflected a different facet of the city’s spirit, and every winner brought their own story of impact, creativity, and resilience.

John Henry Flowers was named Business of the Year (Awarded by Our-Own Chris J Birch), with The Corp Canton receiving a highly commended mention for its community-driven approach.

In the youth category, Summer Kansiray was celebrated as Inspirational Young Person, while Grace Nettle was highly commended for her contributions.

Sports Team of the Year went to New Wave Wrestling, whose dynamic presence has energised local sport, with Albany Road Running Club recognised as highly commended.

Musical excellence was front and centre as The Rock Choir took home Performers of the Year, and Del Fflur Productions earned a highly commended nod for their creative impact.

In the fundraising category, Sarah Griffiths was honoured as Fundraiser of the Year, with Gary Mullins highly commended for his tireless efforts.

Charity of the Year was awarded to Boomerang, whose work continues to uplift and support Cardiff’s most vulnerable, while The Stroke Club Cardiff was highly commended for its vital community role.

The most poignant moment of the evening came with the presentation of the Cardiffian of the Year Icon, awarded in memory of Jay Page to Gordon Tovey, a figure whose legacy continues to inspire. Paul Gwilym was also highly commended for his enduring contributions to the city.

Social media lit up with pride and gratitude. Boomerang Cardiff posted, “Boomerang Cardiff was honoured to be crowned Charity of the Year 2025… We couldn’t be prouder.” Meanwhile, Lili Def Fflur of Del Fflur Productions shared, “The finalists were incredible and to be grouped with them was an honour” — a sentiment that echoed throughout the evening.

A Voice for Wales: SJ Hill Takes the Stage

The evening’s musical highlight came courtesy of SJ Hill, a semi-finalist on Y Llais, Wales’ national singing competition airing on S4C. His performance blended vocal power with emotional resonance, reminding the audience why Welsh music continues to punch above its weight — not just in talent, but in soul.

A Ceremony with Conscience

This wasn’t just an awards night — it was a masterclass in meaningful event-making. From the moment guests arrived, greeted with welcome drinks courtesy of North Star Cardiff, it was clear that this was a celebration with heart and sustainability at its core.

The awards themselves were crafted from offcuts of wood donated by Alexis Joinery, turning what might’ve been waste into keepsakes of recognition. Saraztro lent their support to the evening’s production, helping elevate the experience without compromising its grassroots charm.

And in a gesture that truly embodied the spirit of the night, 50% of all ticket sales were donated directly to Boomerang, the newly crowned Charity of the Year. It was community giving back to community — in real time.

Cardiff Theatre Café: More Than a Venue

Once a church café run by volunteers, now a multi-use cultural space, Cardiff Theatre Café has become a beacon for the arts. With profits reinvested into the building’s upkeep and a calendar that includes everything from poetry nights to Pride Cymru events, it’s a venue with values. And with renovations recently completed, it’s only getting bolder — expanding into yoga, dance, children’s theatre, and more.

A Night to Remember

The Cardiffian of the Year Awards didn’t just celebrate individuals — it celebrated a city. A city that sings, volunteers, fundraises, and performs. A city that knows its worth and isn’t afraid to shout about it — preferably in harmony, under a chandelier, with a drag queen or two.

And as Wyburn and Wayne took their final bow, it was clear that Cardiff’s creative heartbeat isn’t just strong — it’s unstoppable.