In June the UK’s Association of Fencing Industries (AFI) announced the venue for this year’s UK Fencing Awards ceremony. It will be held at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, on 5 October.

The UK Fencing Awards were introduced last year to start raising the profile of the fencing industry – and everyone involved in it. “Fences are in everybody’s life,” AFI CEO Pete Clark says. “But people seldom see the training and skills that come with it. With the Fencing Awards, we want to encourage fence installers to get the best out of
themselves.”

The UK Fencing Awards will be presented in the categories Agricultural & Equine, Domestic, Security, Sports & Education, Highways & Railways, Industrial, Temporary & Hoarding, and Gates & Barriers. AFI members were able to submit their projects until 30 June (deadline extended to 14th July 2023). In addition there is the Project of the Year category, which is open to all British fencing installers.

“On Thursday 5th October 2023 we will welcome all finalists to the Principality to find out who has won,” says Clark. “This is a great opportunity to enjoy a day with fellow fencers, meet new people, and celebrate everyone in the fencing industry. We’ll have a tour of yet again a stadium before lunch, and celebratory drinks.

This year’s awards will again be presented by a former rugby player. “Andy Powell will be announcing the winners this year,” says Clark, “as well as telling a few interesting stories to keep everyone entertained. Andy has been a huge hit on the After Dinner Circuit since retiring from rugby, and with original stories about his adventures in
the rugby world, including the famous ‘golf buggy incident’, he gives no second hand imitations! Original stories only!”

Article from Fencing Times, Issue 4, 2023.