When KLAT Magazine decided to launch its very own awards show, it wasn’t just about handing out trophies. It was about creating a platform that could give young creatives the recognition they truly deserve. A chance to celebrate the diversity, ambition, and community that runs through Wales and beyond. But how did the idea for the KLAT Awards come to life, and what makes it different from anything that’s been done before? We spoke to the mind behind the awards, the Editorial Director at KLAT Magazine, to learn more about what went into creating this exciting new event.
The Spark Behind the KLAT Awards
The inspiration for the KLAT Awards came from a simple but powerful feeling: young creatives needed a platform as bold and ambitious as they are. It all started back in November with the first-ever KLAT Gala, an event that was pulled together in just three weeks. “Honestly, I wasn’t planning to do it at first, but the response blew me away. Over 100 creatives came out, dressed to impress, and turned the night into a vibrant celebration of culture, style, and connection.”
That night was a game-changer. “I distinctly remember seeing creatives who traveled from other parts of the UK to Cardiff for the event,” the founder recalls. “It hit me just how much this community craves moments to be truly seen and celebrated together.”
As the team reflected on this energy, they knew that the second anniversary of KLAT had to be different. “We wanted to do something bigger,” the founder says. “We wanted to cement KLAT as more than just a media platform. We wanted to create something that would capture the energy, diversity, and influence of the next generation of creators.” That moment of inspiration came when the KLAT team attended the It’s My Shout Awards—a luxury raffle event KLAT sponsored. “Sitting in that room, I felt the power of a well-produced awards night to spotlight talent, and it got me thinking — why not do something similar?”
And just like that, the KLAT Awards were born.
What Makes the KLAT Awards Different?
Unlike traditional award shows, the KLAT Awards are proudly youth-led. “KLAT Awards are created by young people, for young people,” says the founder, highlighting the need for platforms that truly amplify youth voices. As a creative who has worked in the scene himself, he knows how rare it is to find spaces that genuinely cater to the needs and experiences of young people. KLAT fills that gap, offering a space for young creatives shaping culture both locally and internationally.
“What makes the KLAT Awards special is the emphasis on community-driven creativity, It’s not just about the trophies — it’s about celebrating together with red carpet arrivals, live performances, a shared dinner, and a youth DJ afterparty. Every element is designed to connect, inspire, and support young creatives in an environment that feels welcoming and electric.”
The KLAT Awards aren’t just about popularity. “We shine a spotlight on grassroots voices, celebrating creativity on their own terms,” says the founder. It’s a space where originality and passion take center stage, not just commercial success.
A Sneak Peek at the KLAT Awards Categories
“We’ve carefully chosen award categories that reflect the incredible diversity and brilliance of our creative community,” says the founder. The categories will cover everything from arts and music to digital innovation and community activism, representing the different forms of creativity KLAT champions.
While the full list of categories will be revealed soon, the founder promises that the award categories will highlight innovation, cultural impact, and the unique stories shaping the creative scene. “Stay tuned — it’s going to be exciting!” he teases, while hinting at the fact that the process behind selecting the 14 categories for the awards was not without its debates. “There were definitely spirited discussions, One particularly heated debate was whether we should include a category specifically for digital creators. But we ultimately agreed it was essential to embrace the future of creativity.”
The categories that made the final cut reflect a shared goal to celebrate creativity in all its forms — from grassroots talent to global innovators, and every year, the KLAT Award itself will be a unique piece of art, designed by a selected artist. The founder hints, “We’ll announce this year’s designer soon. Plus, we’ve lined up a few surprise appearances to make the night unforgettable.”
Key Event Details
The KLAT Awards 2025 will take place on Saturday, 1st November 2025 at the elegant Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel & Spa. “It’s the perfect venue — where culture and history meet’ The night will feature a seated gala dinner, performances, presentations, and plenty of surprises. “This is a night to arrive early, dress to impress, and prepare for an unforgettable celebration of creativity,” he adds.
KLAT Magazine has always been more than just a publication, it’s a media platform, a creative space, and a community hub for emerging talent. “The awards bring all these strands together, From red carpet interviews to live performances and curated visuals, the KLAT Awards turn our storytelling and live experiences into a physical celebration.”
What’s the Vibe?
So, what’s the vibe of the night going to be like? “The vibe will be vibrant, glamorous, and inspiring,” says the founder. “Imagine a room buzzing with energy, alive with music, conversation, and real connection. We will combine professional energy with warmth and inclusivity, making it a space where people feel welcome to be themselves and spark genuine conversations.”
And most importantly, it’s about dreaming big. “I want everyone who attends or watches the KLAT Awards to walk away knowing that dreams are achievable, This is a dream come true for me, and I want people to leave with a sense of audacity, the courage to chase their ambitions boldly.”
The Future of KLAT Awards
The KLAT Awards are just the beginning. The brand has big plans for the future, including expanding the awards to cities like Manchester and London. “We want KLAT Awards to become a cornerstone event for creatives across the UK and hopefully beyond,” says the founder.
For now, it’s all about community, creativity, and the next generation of visionaries. “Let’s dare to dream big, support each other fiercely, and build the future of creativity together.”
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