Nominations have opened for CAMRA’s Campaigner of the Year award, recognising those who have gone above and beyond for pubs, pints and people.
The award celebrates a person or group whose campaigning efforts have created positive change for pubs, clubs, cask beer or real cider and perry over the past year.
The award puts a face and personality to CAMRA’s aims and goals, with members recommending those who have fought effective campaigns locally or nationally and embody the heart of a community. Nominees are judged for their leadership, impact, innovation, commitment and inclusion.
The winner will be announced next year at Members’ Weekend in St Albans, 17-19 April 2026.
Previous winners include Steve Alton, chief executive of the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII), Laura Hadland, award-winning author and What’s Brewing columnist, and Helen Anne Smith, co-founder of Burum Collective and advocate for greater equality, diversity and inclusivity in the beer and cider world.
CAMRA awards director Gary Timmins said: “With the beer and pub industry in economic turmoil, and the uncertainty of an upcoming Budget, our Campaigner of the Year award is more important than ever, putting a spotlight on those who work tirelessly to fight for cask beer, real cider or perry, and pubs, social clubs and taprooms.
“The award recognises everyone, from selfless volunteers campaigning at a grassroots level to protect and promote the industry, those in the pub or brewing trades dedicated to educating consumers, to simply a venue that you think is a really special social hub. Even celebrities and politicians who actively support our campaign asks, the awards are open to all who strive to make a difference.”
The Campaigner of the Year nomination form, plus eligibility and nomination criteria, are here. Nominations can also be sent by post c/o Campaigner of the Year, CAMRA, 230 Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL1 4LW. The nomination deadline is Friday 27 February 2026.
Pictured: Steve Alton (left) collecting his award at Members’ Weekend 2025 in Torquay from Gary Timmins
