International Men’s Day Appreciation Awards

On International Men's Day we are hosting an inclusive event that brings people together to listen, share and inspire. INTERNATIONAL MEN'S DAY PORTSMOUTH 2026Celebrating Men. Sharing Stories. Inspiring Change. International Men’s Day is celebrated around the world as an opportunity to recognise the positive contribution men and boys make to their families, communities and wider society, while also creating space for important conversations around men’s health, wellbeing and the challenges they face. Portsmouth’s International Men’s Day celebration returns for 2026, bringing together people, charities, businesses, community organisations and some truly inspirational individuals from across our city and beyond. Presented by Dadzclub, alongside The Forge, the evening is about celebrating positive male role models, sharing powerful stories and recognising the often unseen contribution that men and boys make to the lives of others. And this year is going to be particularly special. A Landmark Venue for a Landmark Year For 2026, International Men’s Day Portsmouth is moving to an extraordinary new home, The Royal Marines Experience at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Our event will be among the first public events to be held at the newly opened Royal Marines Experience, giving guests the opportunity to experience this incredible new Portsmouth attraction at a very special moment in its story. But the choice of venue means much more to us than that. 2026 marks the 10th birthday of Dadzclub. Ten years ago, the idea that would become Dadzclub was developed while its founder, Matt Foster, was working at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. A decade later, Dadzclub has grown from that idea into a community supporting thousands of men, dads, boys and families, and we are returning to the place where the journey began to celebrate ten years of Dadzclub and the people who continue to make a difference every day. There couldn't be a more fitting place to mark this milestone. When Saturday 21 November 2026 The main celebration will take place during the evening, with further details of additional talks, workshops and activities to be announced. Guests will be welcomed with a drinks reception before enjoying an evening of food, music, conversation, powerful stories and celebration in one of Portsmouth’s most exciting new venues. The Appreciation Awards At the heart of the evening will be our International Men’s Day Appreciation Awards Ceremony. These awards shine a light on remarkable men, boys and masculine-identifying people whose stories deserve to be heard. They aren't about status, celebrity or job titles. They are about people who have made a difference, sometimes publicly, but very often quietly and without recognition. We will celebrate individuals who have supported others, strengthened their communities, overcome adversity, championed wellbeing and inclusion, inspired younger generations or simply stepped up when somebody needed them. Awards will be presented across the following categories: Dadzclub Parenting Award Mental Health & Wellbeing Award Community & Inclusion Award Unsung Hero Award Inspiring Young Male Award Overcoming Adversity Award Veteran's Award And for 2026, we are delighted to introduce a brand-new category: Corporate Social Responsibility Award Recognising a business or organisation that has gone beyond words and demonstrated a genuine commitment to improving the lives of people within our communities. More Than an Awards Evening International Men’s Day Portsmouth is about much more than handing out awards. It's about bringing people together. It's about giving men permission to talk. It's about celebrating the dads, sons, brothers, colleagues, friends, volunteers, veterans, young people and community champions whose contribution can so easily go unnoticed. And it's about showing that positive conversations about men and masculinity can be inclusive, compassionate and uplifting. In Dadzclub's 10th anniversary year, we couldn't think of a better way to celebrate how far we have come than by returning to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, where the idea began, and recognising the people who inspire us to keep going. Dress Code Dress to impress, whatever that means to you. Smart, glamorous, colourful, understated or completely yourself. Wear whatever makes you feel fabulous. Join us at the Royal Marines Experience, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, on Saturday 21 November 2026 for an unforgettable evening celebrating extraordinary people, powerful stories and ten years of Dadzclub.