The winner of the 2026 Aberystwyth Arts Centre Sir Ian McKellen Award has been announced.

Catrin Edwards, who is studying Music at the University of Cambridge, has been chosen following a series of interviews with shortlisted applicants.

She will receive £500 towards the cost of her studies as part of this special award, established through funds donated during Sir Ian McKellen’s visit to Aberystwyth Arts Centre in 2019.

Catrin said: “I am sincerely honoured to have received the 2026 Ian McKellen Award. I am very grateful to Aberystwyth Arts Centre and Sir Ian McKellen for this wonderful opportunity, which will greatly support me whilst studying Music at Cambridge.

“Living near Aberystwyth Arts Centre has greatly inspired my love of music over the years, because it provides such a rich world of music, drama and arts to the area, so winning this award means so much to me. I hope to also inspire others to pursue their love of music as well.”

An arts centre spokesperson said: “The award panel was once again impressed by the exceptionally high calibre of applicants for the 2026 award.

“The panel was particularly impressed by the quality of Catrin’s presentation and felt that she demonstrated the artistic promise, commitment and passion that make her a worthy recipient of this important award.”

Catrin follows in the footsteps of an impressive list of previous winners:

· Celyn Stewart (2025) – currently studying an MA in Musical Theatre at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

· Rhys Nutting (2024) – currently studying a BA (Hons) in Sound Technology at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA).

· Gruffydd Rhys Evans (2023) – studied BA (Hons) Acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).

· Tom Mathias (2022) – first violinist in the Kuttner String Quartet-in-Residence at the Jacobs School of Music, Indiana University, where he studied a Solo Violin Performer Diploma.

· Osian Pearson (2021) – studied an MA in Editing at the National Film and Television School (NFTS).

· Cerys Havana Hickman (2020) – studied Music (BMus) at Goldsmiths, University of London.

· Owain Gruffydd (2019) – studied BA (Hons) Acting at the University of Northampton.

· Laura Baker (2019) – gained a BA (Hons) in Ballet Education at the Royal Academy of Dance.

The Aberystwyth Arts Centre Ian McKellen Award was established following Sir Ian McKellen’s visit to Aberystwyth Arts Centre in February 2019 as part of his 80th birthday tour. All money raised through ticket sales and donations during his visit was retained to support the arts centre’s important work with young people.

The special award was established to support young people aged 16–25 who intend to continue their vocational training in the creative arts, including, but not limited to, theatre, dance and visual arts.

Each year, £500 is awarded to a candidate who can demonstrate artistic promise and passion for their chosen art form, and who holds an offer of study for the following academic year.

“Aberystwyth Arts Centre is delighted to continue this legacy of supporting emerging creative talent and wishes Catrin every success as she begins her studies at the University of Cambridge,” the spokesperson added.