The Kerbflower Prize 2026

The Kerbflower Prize is an independent award created to recognise outstanding new podcasts from the United Kingdom and Ireland. The Prize has been set up to highlight originality, accomplishment, and creative distinction in shows with fewer than 30 episodes.

We are a small, independent team based in Nottinghamshire, committed to giving emerging creators early recognition and amplifying voices that deserve to be heard. The Prize is built on the belief that new work deserves encouragement and that celebrating creativity strengthens confidence across the podcasting community.

Podcasting continues to expand rapidly as a cultural medium. According to Ofcom, more than 11.7 million UK adults (about 20.7%) now listen to at least one podcast each week. Evidence of the growing audience for the very work this Prize seeks to celebrate.

This Substack is where we share our journey, from assembling the judging panel and confirming sponsors to opening entries and announcing the first shortlist. By subscribing, you’ll be among the first to follow the development of a new cultural prize from its very beginning.

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Source: Ofcom, Media Nations 2024 – UK adults aged 15+, 20.7% weekly podcast reach. ofcom.org.uk