The Chair of Warwickshire Pride has been shortlisted for the highly-anticipated Gaydio Awards 2026 as it returns for the fourth year.

On Friday 20 February Gaydio announced the official shortlist included Warwickshire's Daniel Browne for Volunteer of the Year.

This category recognises a pride or charity volunteer who has dedicated their own time to deliver positive change for the LGBTQ+ community

Now in its fourth year, the awards celebrate those creating safer spaces, building inclusive communities, and driving real change from the ground up.

Kriss Herbert, Network Content Director at Gaydio said: "Four years on, the Gaydio Awards continue to uncover the incredible work happening in communities across the UK that might otherwise go unrecognised.

"This year's shortlist - from volunteer organisers to pioneering charities, grassroots media to inclusive sports clubs represents the best of what happens when the community come together to create change. We can't wait to honour our nominees on the night."

Those shortlisted will be honoured at a glitzy ceremony on 20 March 2026 at the Manchester Deansgate Hotel. The evening promises performances from breakout girl group XO and drag star Bailey J Mills, alongside appearances from celebrities, activists, and community leaders - with more high-profile performers to be announced.

The Chair of Warwickshire Pride has been shortlisted for the highly-anticipated Gaydio Awards 2026 as it returns for the fourth year (image supplied)

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The ceremony will focus on regional and grassroots efforts, giving thanks to the unsung heroes within the LGBTQ+ community.

Twelve of the categories were opened to the public, giving people the chance to shine a light on the individuals, charities and organisations "working tirelessly to create safer, more inclusive spaces and improve lives within the queer community."

Previous ceremonies have seen performances from Grammy-nominated artist Raye, a DJ set from Sigala, and a set from UK music icon, Tulisa, alongside a star-studded guest list of celebs including the cast of The Traitors, Rhian Sugden, Layton Williams, Andy Burnham, Max Balegde, Russell T Davies & Ella Morgan.

The 2025 ceremony demonstrated the awards' growing cultural significance, with Russell T Davies' Icon Award acceptance speech generating national conversation, when his address reinforced the Gaydio Awards as not just a celebration, but a platform for LGBTQ+ voices.

The ceremony will focus on regional and grassroots efforts, giving thanks to the unsung heroes within the LGBTQ+ community (image supplied)

Gaydio's independent panel of five community judges have whittled down the nominations to an official shortlist, with the winner of each category to be revealed on the night.

Judges include Annie Wallace, best known for playing Hollyoaks' headteacher Sally St. Claire and a key advisor on Coronation Street's landmark Hayley Cropper storylines, with over 30 years of LGBTQ+ activism behind her; Char Bailey, award-winning speaker, activist and Director of Birmingham Pride; Conor Clark, LGBTQ+ journalist and presenter whose work spans GAY TIMES, LBC and Attitude; Lars Fellows, a gay trans man, community advocate and media contributor best known for appearing on BBC's I Kissed a Boy Season 2; and Matthew Chew, social and influencer marketing expert and Co-Chair of Unite, WPP's LGBTQIA+ network which won Outstanding Employee Network at the 2022 British Diversity Awards.

Amongst the 2025 Winners were; Simon Jones for Outstanding Entertainment Contribution Award, Russell T Davies for the Gaydio Icon Award; UK Black Pride for Event of the Year, and Logan Brown for Influencer of the Year.

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For more information and to buy tickets for the event head to gaydioprideawards.co.uk and keep an eye on Gaydio's socials (@gaydio) for announcements and updates.

The full shortlist for the Gaydio Awards 2026 can be viewed here.

The ceremony will take place on 20 March at The Manchester Deansgate Hotel (image supplied)