£5,000 Prize Up for Grabs as Care Sector’s Got Talent Returns with Biggest-Ever Search for Social Care’s Hidden Stars

Care Sector’s Got Talent is back for 2026 with its biggest-ever prize fund, a brand-new stage at the Care Show and a call for everyone working across social care to step into the spotlight.

Run by Championing Social Care, the much-loved competition is inviting entries from across the social care workforce – from care home and home care teams to supported living services, day centres and community care. Frontline carers, nurses, administrators, receptionists, chefs, housekeepers, maintenance teams, office staff, volunteers and suppliers are all encouraged to enter, either as individuals or groups.

This year’s competition offers its largest prize fund to date, with £5,000 in cash awarded to the winner to spend however they choose, while the runner-up will receive a £1,000 talent development fund to invest in lessons, coaching or equipment to help take their talent to the next level.

The 2026 Grand Final will take place on 7 October at the Care Show at Birmingham NEC, bringing Care Sector’s Got Talent to one of the UK’s biggest social care events. With thousands of care professionals expected to attend, finalists will perform in front of the sector’s largest live audience yet, giving even more people the opportunity to celebrate the creativity, diversity and extraordinary talent that exists throughout social care.

Organisers hope this year’s expanded competition will attract more entries than ever before by reaching every corner of the sector and reminding people that whatever their role, they are a talented and valued part of the social care community.

Whether it’s singing, dancing, comedy, magic, spoken word, instrumental music or an unexpected hidden talent, Care Sector’s Got Talent is about celebrating the people behind social care and showcasing the passion, creativity and personality that exists beyond the day job.

Nye Brown, Co-Chair of Care Sector’s Got Talent and CEO of Hallmark Luxury Care Homes, said: “Social care is full of incredible people whose talents often go unseen outside their workplace. Care Sector’s Got Talent gives us the chance to celebrate those individuals, while showing the wider public a different side of our sector – one that’s creative, diverse, compassionate and full of extraordinary people. Every performer who takes to the stage helps challenge perceptions of social care, and we can’t wait to discover this year’s hidden stars.”

Angela Boxall, Co-Chair of Care Sector’s Got Talent, Chair of Care England and CEO of Majesticare, added: “Care Sector’s Got Talent is a celebration of the people who make social care extraordinary. It doesn’t matter whether you’re delivering care in someone’s home, working in a care home, supporting people in the community or keeping services running behind the scenes – if you’re part of social care, this stage is for you. Hosting the final at the Care Show will make this our biggest celebration yet, giving thousands of people the chance to come together and celebrate the incredible people who make social care such a special profession.”

Last year’s winner, saxophonist Oladayo Ojekanmi, has gone on to perform at care sector events across the country, demonstrating how Care Sector’s Got Talent can open new opportunities while shining a spotlight on the remarkable people working across social care. He says: “It was truly an incredible journey from the auditions to the grand finale. The organisation, support and professionalism throughout the competition made the experience both memorable and inspiring.”

Entries are now open and close on 21 August 2026. Applicants should submit a two-minute video showcasing their talent via the Championing Social Care website: https://www.championingsocialcare.org.uk/care-sectors-got-talent/register/

Whether you’re a solo performer, part of a choir, dance troupe, band or workplace group, Care Sector’s Got Talent wants to hear from you.