Yateley Town Council and Bramshott & Liphook Parish Council named joint winners of Hampshire Village of the Year 2026
Yateley Town Council and Bramshott and Liphook Parish Council have been named joint winners of the Hampshire Association of Local Councils’ Village of the Year 2026 award. Hook Parish Council was named runner-up.
The results were announced on 23 September at a presentation evening at The Key Centre, hosted by Elvetham Heath Parish Council, the 2024 Village of the Year winner. The 2026 awards were sponsored by KOMPAN.
HALC’s judges visited entrants during the summer to learn about the work of parish and town councils, community groups and volunteers across Hampshire. The standard of entries was exceptionally high, and after careful consideration, the judges chose to recognise two joint overall winners.
In Yateley, the judges highlighted the strength of partnerships between Yateley Town Council, local organisations and volunteers, and the many ways residents are supported to take part in community life. They recognised support for young people through Vision 4 Youth, community transport for older residents, environmental projects and commemorative events.
Bramshott and Liphook Parish Council impressed the judges with the breadth of activities and services across its community. They noted the contribution of local organisations and volunteers, support for residents at different stages of life, and established events including the Liphook Carnival, Canada Day Commemoration and Picnic on the Green.
Hook Parish Council was named runner-up in recognition of its investment in facilities, recreational opportunities and youth activities, supported by strong community partnerships.
The full results are:
| Award | Winner | Runner-up and other recognition |
| Village of the Year 2026 | Joint winners: Yateley Town Council and Bramshott and Liphook Parish Council | Runner-up: Hook Parish Council |
| Best Open Space | Hamble Parish Council (Hamble-le-Rice) | Runner-up: Allbrook Parish Council; highly commended: Rooksdown Parish Council |
| Best Recreational Facilities | Hook Parish Council | Runner-up: Awbridge Parish Council; highly commended: Lindford Parish Council |
| Best Youth Initiative | Yateley Town Council | Runner-up: South Wonston Parish Council |
| Best Community Health Scheme | Eversley Parish Council | |
| Best Community Initiative | Odiham Parish Council | Runner-up: Rooksdown Parish Council |
| Excellence in Localism | Owslebury and Morestead Parish Council | |
| Most Inspiring Place | Elvetham Heath Parish Council | Runner-up: Odiham Parish Council |
| Best Community Event | Chandler’s Ford Parish Council | Runners-up: Owslebury and Morestead Parish Council (small village) and Bramshott and Liphook Parish Council (large village) |
| Best Small Village | Awbridge Parish Council | Runner-up: Eversley Parish Council |
| Excellence in Community Engagement (Steve Lugg Trophy) | Wellow Parish Council | Runner-up: Hamble Parish Council (Hamble-le-Rice) |
HALC thanks every council, group and individual who entered the awards, Elvetham Heath Parish Council for hosting the presentation evening, and KOMPAN for sponsoring the 2026 competition.
Media enquiries:
Abbey Fender or Claire Price, Smart Marketing Management
Telephone: 023 8060 1635
Email: abbey@smartmarketinguk.comor claire@smartmarketinguk.com