Abigail’s Arts Award

CALLING ALL YOUNG PEMBROKESHIRE ARTISTS AND PERFORMERS!

Do you know someone who is age 16-25 and would benefit from £500 to get their career in the arts off the ground?

If so, they need to be applying for Abigail’s Arts Awards!

Now in its fifth year this annual bursary from Theatr Gwaun in Fishguard is going from strength to strength.

Last year the judges awarded the two bursaries to a harpist and a film maker – but whatever you do in the arts – if you’re between 16 and 25 and live in Pembrokeshire you’re eligible. You could be an actor, an accordion player, a singer, comedian or a painter – if it’s arty – you’re in! The judges are just looking for passion and a determination to pursue a career in the creative or performing arts.

Just like the last two years – those shortlisted will get the chance to perform live on stage in front of a packed crowd at Theatr Gwaun. This year’s showcase of talent will take place in April 2026. The winners on the day will get to revel in rapturous applause as well as receive a bursary for £500.

A LEGACY FOR THE ARTS

The award is named after Abigail Goswell who loved life, loved music and the arts, but who sadly passed away in 2020 from breast cancer. The bursary is funded by the Goswell family of Fishguard, to honour her memory.

Her sister Emma said “I’m thrilled that we’re in our fifth year and continuing to honour Abigail’s legacy and her passion for life and in particular music. We still miss her every single day. I hope she’d be proud that so far, we’ve helped give nine young people a helping hand in their career in the arts.”

PRESS RELEASE FROM THEATR GWAUN – June 2025

Based on their performances and their application, the judges picked harpist Eliza Bradbury and film maker Nicola Anderson to each receive a cheque for £500!

Eliza is an 18 year old from Haverfordwest who hopes to have a career in acting and music. She impressed the judges, not just with her incredible harp skills and musicality but her stage presence and dramatic flair! She’s already won the title ‘best young harpist in Wales’ in 2024, so we can expect big things from Eliza. She told us she will mainly spend the money on transport costs as she heads off to Uni in Leeds and finds it difficult transporting her huge harp to gigs and rehearsals.

Eliza said “Being a part of this award was such an incredible experience, and being chosen as one of the winners is a huge honour. Abigail Arts Awards is such a wonderful event, and the reason behind it is even more so. Thank you for letting me be a part of this, and to all the support you give to future performers like myself”.

Nicola is 24 and Fishguard born and bred. She showcased the impressive short film she made at Uni, which had never been shown on the big screen before. Entitled ‘String theory’ it’s actually a description of gravity and particle physics told through dance! The judges were impressed with the maturity of the piece and her choreography and art direction. Nicola says she will spend the money on a new camera to start work on her next film. She says she’s passionate about getting a career in the film and TV industry. Watch this space!

Nicola said “Abigail’s Arts Awards is a lovely event in the memory of Abigail, it’s a unique way to network with other artists and see local talent. Having been given such a generous award, I have decided to put the winnings towards making another short film, which is already in the works. Theatr Gwaun is a friendly little hub and appreciated by other creatives living in Fishguard, so I would highly recommend others in the arts to submit their work and see what comes of it”.

The pictures above show our winners Carys Wood (bottom row, left) and Lewis Harrison (bottom row, centre); runner-up Tarish Matthews (top row, left and bottom row, right); our other finalists Ffion Thomas (middle row, left) and Emily Sky (middle row, centre); last year’s winner Dylan Swales (middle row, right); MC Emma Goswell (top row, centre); surprise guest Owain Wyn Evans (top row, right); and Richard Goswell presenting the awards (top row, left; bottom row, centre and right).

‘Aww wicked. Thank you for having me. Was an amazing experience. Thank you so much’. Lewis Harrison.

‘Thanks for the lovely opportunity yesterday, it was a lovely event, and thanks so much for the extremely generous bursary. I will put it to very good use’. Carys Wood.

‘Just wanna say a huge thank you, was a fab experience filled with so much talent’. Tarish Matthews.

Theatr Gwaun

Abigail’s Arts Award 2026

You bring the talent – We’ll bring the support!

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