Ongo Carnival up for ‘Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative’ award

Ongo has been shortlisted for the Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative award at the Aico Community Awards 2026, recognising its commitment to supporting local people and giving back to communities through its biggest event of the year, Ongo Carnival.

The Aico Community Awards celebrate achievements across the social housing and fire safety sectors, with this year’s shortlist selected from an exceptionally high number of entries. Judges praised the quality and breadth of submissions from organisations working to make a meaningful difference within their communities.

Ongo’s nomination highlights the enormous success and community impact of the Ongo Carnival, which has grown year on year and is described as the organisation’s biggest annual community event. The 10th carnival attracted over three thousand people to Manor Park in Scunthorpe, offering a free and inclusive day packed with performances, family activities, stalls, and support from dozens of partner organisations. 

Since it began, the event has welcomed more than 23,000 attendees, involved over 30 local performance groups, and hosted more than 200 agencies, each contributing to what has become one of the region’s most anticipated community events.

The date for this years has been set, with thousands expected at Manor Park in Scunthorpe on Wednesday 5 August.

Wendy Wolfe, Customer Engagement Manager at Ongo and organiser of the event commented: “We are absolutely thrilled to be recognised in this category. The Ongo Carnival is huge for us, it’s the event people look out for every single year, and many families have made it a firm tradition.

“What makes it so special is that it’s completely free, which we know is incredibly important, especially during the summer holidays when financial pressures can be at their highest. Hosting something that removes that burden and still brings thousands of people together is our way of giving back to the communities.

“Every year we see so many happy, smiley faces, and the atmosphere is just fantastic. Knowing the difference, it makes, and seeing its impact recognised on this scale, is something we’re honoured and very excited about.”

The awards ceremony will take place on 16 April, bringing together organisations delivering social value, strengthening communities and making lasting positive change.