The UK Theme Park Awards 2026 has confirmed ten judges drawn from across the attractions industry, with public voting opening 20 July ahead of a September ceremony at Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort.
Now in its seventh year, the UK Theme Park Awards has confirmed its 2026 judging panel – ten figures drawn from trade bodies, media, visitor advocacy, and digital content creation.
Public voting across all 22 categories opens 20 July and runs until 28 August at ukthemeparkawards.com. Winners will be announced at the ceremony on 10 September, hosted by Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort. Final results combine public votes with panel scores.
The panel includes Andy Hine MBE, chairman of the Roller Coaster Club of Great Britain; Paul Kelly, chief executive of the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions; and Dawn Foote, president of the Themed Entertainment Association EME. John Fosbrooke, publisher of InterPark, also returns to the panel.
Joining them are Chris Belvin-Bailey, founder of Attraction Source; Lawrence Roots, founder of Theme Park Network; Owen Ralph, attractions industry journalist at Words and Attractions; Scott Bickerton, founder of Your Experience Guide; content creators Shawn and Charlotte Sanbrooke of Theme Park Worldwide; and Sue Macmillan, chief executive officer of Mumsnet.
Fosbrooke said: “It’s an honour to highlight the remarkable achievements of the UK theme park sector, which competes on a global stage and delivers attractions that make the UK proud. While this is a UK award, it’s clear that the world is watching.”
Roots noted the award’s growth since its launch: “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 2026 edition introduces eight new categories, including Waterpark of the Year, Scream Park of the Year, Theme Park Personality of the Year, Best Halloween Event and Best Christmas Event. Operators may also submit nominations for two Industry Excellence Awards – Outstanding Achievement and Rising Star – designed to recognise staff at all levels.
The awards are organised by Theme Parks UK, an independent consumer guide. This year’s edition is presented in association with AttractionTickets.com and TAG Live®.
Full judge profiles are available at ukthemeparkawards.com/judges.
Image: Theme Parks UK
