The charities & sponsors behind the 2026 Skiddle Awards

Our forthcoming Skiddle Awards birthday bonanza in Blackpool – taking place on Thursday 30th April – stands as a moment to celebrate not just the event industry’s extraordinary talent, but the people and partnerships that have helped shape our journey along the way.

Bringing an event of this scale to life takes months of planning, and more than a little graft from the Skiddle team, and the simple truth is, it wouldn’t be possible without the support of the businesses and charities that back what we do.

So, we’re taking this moment to shine a light on them and thank them for their support.

Meet the sponsors supporting the 2026 Skiddle Awards

We’ve always believed in championing independent businesses, especially those that share our passion for community and, of course, live experiences. From event management experts to brewsmasters of frothy beer – discover the organisations helping to bring the Skiddle Awards to life.

Manchester Union Brewery

Born in the heart of Manchester, Manchester Union Brewery combines traditional Central European brewing methods with a distinctly modern, Mancunian edge. The result is a crisp, refreshing lager that’s quickly become a favourite across venues in the North West. Like Skiddle, they’re all about bringing people together, making them a natural fit for a night dedicated to events and nightlife.

Visit: manchesterunionbrewery.com

Zen Internet

Founded in Rochdale in 1995, Zen Internet has grown into one of the UK’s leading independent broadband providers while staying true to its founding values. With a strong focus on customer experience, sustainability, and doing business the right way, Zen continues to prove that growth and integrity can go hand in hand.

Jon Nowell, Managing Director at Zen Internet, said:

“We’re proud to support a business that, just like Zen, puts the experience of its users first.

“Both of our businesses share a history of disruption – in the best possible way – and our shared focus on people and excellence is why we’ve chosen to sponsor this event. Awards like these are a great way to recognise the hard work that goes into bringing people together.”

Visit: zen.co.uk

Assured Crowd Safety

Safety is at the heart of every successful event, and Assured Crowd Safety plays a vital role in ensuring that happens. With expertise in crowd management, risk assessment, and operational planning, their team works behind the scenes to create environments where audiences can focus on enjoying the experience.

Visit: assuredcrowdsafety.co.uk

Vista/Cambio

Specialists in insurance for the events and entertainment industries, Vista/Cambio has supported Skiddle for over 15 years. Their deep understanding of the sector allows them to provide clear, reliable advice in an industry where things move quickly.

Richard Whitham, Director at Vista/Cambio, said:

“We’re proud to have acted as Skiddle’s insurance brokers for the past 15 years.

“Being part of an evening that celebrates the people and companies who make the UK events industry so vibrant is something we truly value.”

Visit: vistacambio.co.uk

25 years of giving back

Supporting great causes has always been part of who we are. Over the past 25 years, we’ve raised more than £800,000 for charities close to our hearts, thanks in no small part to the generosity of our customers, partners, and team.

Here are just a few of the organisations we’ve been proud to support.

Macmillan Cancer Support

Our partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support began in 2016, following the loss of our friend and colleague Chris Glaba. What followed was years of fundraising, including the unforgettable Festival Challenge, where we attempted to visit ten festivals in 48 hours to raise donations.

Across countless initiatives, we raised more than £500,000 for Macmillan. While our formal partnership has ended, the cause remains close to our hearts.

Donate at: macmillan.org.uk/donate

Alder Hey Children’s Hospital & Great Ormond Street Hospital

We’ve also worked closely with two of the UK’s leading children’s hospitals: Alder Hey in Liverpool and Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.

Donations to Alder Hey help fund life-saving equipment, research, and creative programmes that allow young patients to play and express themselves during treatment. Meanwhile, support for Great Ormond Street helps fund pioneering research, specialist care, and facilities designed around the needs of children and their families.

Together, we’ve donated over £210,000 to Alder Hey and more than £155,000 to Great Ormond Street Hospital, supported in part by the option for customers to give £1 when purchasing tickets on Skiddle.

Donate at: alderheycharity.org/products/donate and gosh.org/donate

OnSide Youth Zones

Looking ahead, we’re proud to be partnering with OnSide, our newest charity partner from 2026 onward. Their work supports young people in disadvantaged communities by providing safe, inspiring spaces through state-of-the-art Youth Zones.

These centres offer everything from sports facilities to music studios, alongside dedicated youth workers who provide guidance and support. With youth services under increasing pressure, OnSide’s work has never been more important.

We’ve committed to donating £100,000 every year over the next five years, and customers can also contribute through donations at checkout. It’s a simple way to help provide opportunities, support, and brighter futures for young people who need it most.

Donate at: onsideyouthzones.org/donate-to-a-youth-zone

Looking to the future

The Skiddle Awards are a celebration of everything that makes our industry special, but it’s also a reminder of the impact we can have when we work together.

To our sponsors, our charity partners, and everyone who has supported us over the past 25 years, thank you. Here’s to the next chapter, and to continuing to make a difference through events. 

Got your tickets to the Skiddle Awards?

It’s not too late to secure your place at our unmissable industry gathering. Join us at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom on Thursday 30th April, rub shoulders with some of the best event organisers in the UK, enjoy a three-course fine-dining experience, top-drawer live entertainment and much more!