The UK Theme Park Awards, an annual event celebrating the best of the British theme and amusement parks, has finalised its lineup of industry specialists who will help select this year’s top attractions.
Moving into its seventh year, the awards are organised by Theme Parks UK, an independent consumer guide, and delivered in association with commercial partners AttractionTickets.com and TAG Live.
The final results are calculated by combining thousands of votes cast by the general public with official scores submitted by a dedicated 10-member judging panel. This year’s panel brings together individuals from various corners of the visitor economy, including trade association leaders, journalists, consumer advocates, and digital content producers.
The complete 2026 judging panel includes:
- Andy Hine MBE, Chairman of the Roller Coaster Club of Great Britain.
- Chris Belvin-Bailey, Founder of Attraction Source.
- Dawn Foote, President of the Themed Entertainment Association EME.
- John Fosbrooke, Publisher of InterPark.
- Lawrence Roots, Founder of the Theme Park Network.
- Owen Ralph, Attractions Industry Journalist at Words and Attractions.
- Paul Kelly, Chief Executive of BALPPA (British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions).
- Scott Bickerton, Founder of Your Experience Guide.
- Shawn Sanbrooke and Charlotte Sanbrooke, Content Creators at Theme Park Worldwide.
- Sue Macmillan, Chief Executive Officer of Mumsnet.
Industry perspectives on the sector
Members of the panel have shared their thoughts on the current state of the industry as they prepare for the evaluation process. Andy Hine MBE commented: “It’s a real pleasure to once again help recognise the achievements of UK theme parks. It’s important to showcase that the UK can compete with the very best in the world – and that you don’t have to travel abroad to experience outstanding rides and attractions.”
From an operator and design perspective, Dawn Foote noted: “I’m delighted to be joining the UK Theme Park Awards judging panel and celebrating the creativity, innovation, and dedication that make our industry so special. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to come together in person and recognise the talented people behind the experiences that inspire and entertain millions of visitors every year.”
Representing the family market, new judge Sue Macmillan added: “Great theme parks create lasting memories across generations. As both a parent and a lifelong enthusiast, I’m delighted to support the UK Theme Park Awards and help recognise the people, attractions and innovations that make the UK’s theme parks among the very best family days out.”
Other returning judges welcomed the opportunity to highlight the wider community. Lawrence Roots said: “Now in its seventh year, the scale and standard of the UK Theme Park Awards continue to grow. I’m absolutely delighted to return to the judging panel and help shine a spotlight on the incredible community of operators, industry professionals, and digital creators who make the UK attractions sector so vibrant.”
The remaining panel members also noted their enthusiasm for the upcoming collaboration. BALPPA’s Paul Kelly shared that “Being part of this judging team allows me to acknowledge some of the hard work and expertise that goes into the design and delivery of great experiences across the UK theme park sector.”
Scott Bickerton stated he is “grateful and excited to be part of the UK Theme Park Awards for 2026, and can’t wait to collaborate with the talented team on the panel,” while Shawn Sanbrooke and Charlotte Sanbrooke jointly noted: “We are delighted to be part of the judging panel for the UK Theme Park Awards 2026. This incredible industry is one that we have loved for many years, and it’ll be great to help celebrate it with the awards!”
New categories and expanded criteria
The 2026 campaign introduces a selection of new categories alongside established seasonal and operational awards. The fresh additions for this year include Waterpark of the Year, Scream Park of the Year, Best Landscaped Theme Park, Best Theme Park Animal Exhibit, Best Theme Park Holiday Village, Best Halloween Event, Best Christmas Event, and Theme Park Personality of the Year.
Digital media continues to feature in the programme via the Content Creator of the Year award, which highlights bloggers, vloggers, podcasters, and platform creators using Instagram and TikTok. Additionally, operators can put forward staff members for two specific Industry Excellence Awards: Outstanding Achievement and Rising Star.
The full lineup spans 22 distinct categories, ranging from top destination awards like Theme Park of the Year and Best New Attraction to niche operational elements like Best New Accessibility Initiative and Best New Sustainability Initiative.
Key contenders
A wide variety of operators across the UK are expected to feature in the upcoming deliberations. Major destination resorts cited as traditional contenders include Alton Towers and Drayton Manor in Staffordshire, Chessington World of Adventures and Thorpe Park in Surrey, LEGOLAND Windsor in Berkshire, Paultons Park in Hampshire, and Pleasure Beach in Lancashire.
The awards also regularly recognise smaller or regional venues. Previous winners from across the regions include Adventure Island, Blackgang Chine, Crealy, Fantasy Island, West Midlands Safari Park, Adventure Coast Southport, BeWILDerwood, Flamingo Land, Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach, Pleasurewood Hills, Sundown Adventureland, Wicksteed Park, and Gulliver’s Theme Parks.
Public voting across the 22 core categories will take place on the official website, ukthemeparkawards.com, opening on 20 July and closing on 28 August 2026. The final results will be announced during an official live ceremony on 10 September 2026, hosted by Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach Resort.
