Introduction
The Junior Sea Cadets Roundel Competition gives young cadets the chance to design a ten inch stained glass roundel inspired by the stewardship and values of the 696th Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Alastair King DL (2024–2025).
Launched in 2018, this stream has grown into a much loved part of the wider Reflections competition. Each year, Junior Sea Cadets bring energy, curiosity and imagination to their designs, creating artwork that blends maritime spirit with civic storytelling.
In 2026 we mark the ninth Junior Sea Cadets roundel. This year the stream becomes open to every Junior Sea Cadet Unit across the United Kingdom, making it the widest and most inclusive edition so far.
One design will be selected and crafted into a permanent stained glass roundel by a professional practitioner. It will honour the 696th Lord Mayor and be celebrated at the 2026 Reflections Gala.
Winners will be contacted through their Sea Cadet Unit and announced across Reflections of The Lord Mayor channels.
Commander James Nisbet shares his insights on the #LMReflects Junior Sea Cadets’ Roundel Design Competition in this engaging interview.
Junior Sea Cadets are aboard HMS Belfast, diligently crafting their stained glass roundel entries.
Why Participate?
Sub-Lieutenant (SCC) Samantha Hayward and Cadet SebastianYoung of Brentwood Sea Cadet Unit, sharing their respective take as to why participating in the #LMReflects Roundel Competition is a win-win scenario.
Key Dates
Call opens: 1 February 2026
Submission deadline: 30 April 2026 (17h00 UK time)
Judging period: May 2026
Reflections Gala Evening: July 2026, London (venue to be announced)
Sponsorship Opportunities
Support a decade of craftsmanship and civic storytelling.
Your organisation can sponsor the 2026 commission or become the Signature Partner for the new livestream.
The Prize
The winning Junior Sea Cadet will receive:
- £100 prize presented at the Reflections Gala
- A personalised YETI Rambler mug engraved with name and year
- Gala Reception invitation for the cadet, a parent or guardian, and a Unit representative
- A full page in the Gala Programme featuring the design and artist statement
- A 50 word Unit profile included in the digital programme
- Permanent display of the finished roundel at the winning Unit
- Certificate of accomplishment
If the winner cannot attend the Gala, their work will still be presented and celebrated on their behalf.
2026 Requirements
Each Junior Sea Cadet may submit:
1. A coloured roundel design
- A circular design for a ten inch (254 mm) stained glass roundel
- Inspired by the stewardship and civic story of the 696th Lord Mayor
- Must include the inscription:
“Reflections of the 696th Lord Mayor of London • 2026”
2. A short narrative (100 to 150 words)
Explain:
- The ideas behind the design
- How it reflects the Lord Mayor’s year
Any symbols, shapes or colours chosen and why
Cadets do not need to make stained glass.
The winning design will be fabricated by a professional artist.
Entry Form
Please upload:
- Your coloured design (scan or clear photograph)
- Your narrative
- Your name and Unit name
A parent or guardian should approve submission.
Submissions are now closed for this year.
A look at the roundel tradition
Supporting the Junior Sea Cadets Stream
Support for the Junior Sea Cadets Stream helps sustain a unique civic tradition that brings creativity, service and reflection together.
Through this stream, young people are invited to explore the story and stewardship of the Lord Mayor through stained glass design. Sponsorship helps cover professional fabrication, materials, safe delivery and the celebration of the winning design as part of the Reflections of The Lord Mayor Gala.
By supporting this stream, sponsors help ensure that Junior Sea Cadets from across the UK can take part in a meaningful creative experience that values imagination, learning and civic pride.
Support also helps ensure that each selected design is treated with care and dignity, becoming a lasting stained glass roundel that reflects both the young person’s voice and the wider civic story it represents.
Contact Chris to find out how you can become a sponsor:
chris.seow@lmreflects.london