The judging panel for the UK Theme Park Awards 2026 has been officially confirmed, featuring experts from across the attractions industry.
Now in its seventh year, the UK Theme Park Awards give the British public the chance to vote for their favourite theme parks, attractions, events and content creators in these prestigious national honours. The winners will be determined by combining thousands of public votes with scores from the judging panel.
The awards are organised by Theme Parks UK, an independent consumer guide to UK theme parks. In 2026, the awards are presented in association with AttractionTickets.com and TAG Live®.
Public voting for all 22 categories will be open from 20 July to 28 August 2026 at ukthemeparkawards.com. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on 10 September 2026, being hosted by Blackpool's Pleasure Beach Resort.
The judging panel for the UK Theme Park Awards 2026:
- Andy Hine MBE (Chairman, Roller Coaster Club of Great Britain)
- Chris Belvin-Bailey (Founder, Attraction Source)
- Dawn Foote (President, Themed Entertainment Association EME)
- John Fosbrooke (Publisher, InterPark)
- Lawrence Roots (Founder, Theme Park Network)
- Owen Ralph (Attractions Industry Journalist, Words and Attractions)
- Paul Kelly (Chief Executive, British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions)
- Scott Bickerton (Founder, Your Experience Guide)
- Shawn & Charlotte Sanbrooke (Content Creators, Theme Park Worldwide)
- Sue Macmillan (Chief Executive Officer, Mumsnet)
Here's what the judges have to say about this year's awards:
Andy Hine MBE:
“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.”
Chris Belvin-Bailey:
“I'm grateful to have been asked to be a judge for the 2026 UK Theme Park Awards! It’s another exciting year to be a fan or industry professional, and I can’t wait to celebrate all the successes again - so good luck to those nominated!”
Dawn Foote:
“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.”
John Fosbrooke:
“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.”
Lawrence Roots:
“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.”
Owen Ralph:
“I write about theme parks, amusement parks, waterparks, funfairs and other attractions for a professional audience. I believe in conveying the fun and colour of the industry in my work while never neglecting the detail that attractions operators and suppliers are looking for.”
Paul Kelly:
“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:
“I’m 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.”
Shawn & Charlotte Sanbrooke:
“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!”
Sue Macmillan:
“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.”
More information about the judging panel is available at ukthemeparkawards.com/judges
More about the UK Theme Park Awards 2026:
This year's awards feature a mixture of popular awards from previous years and a selection of new ones. Fresh categories for 2026 include Theme Park Personality of the Year, 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 and Best Christmas Event.
The awards will also recognise digital creators, with Content Creator of the Year celebrating bloggers, vloggers, podcasters, and those creating standout content on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
In addition to the main 22 categories, theme park operators are invited to submit nominations for two special Industry Excellence Awards designed to celebrate the workforce behind the magic: Outstanding Achievement and Rising Star.
Several contenders for the awards include Alton Towers and Drayton Manor in Staffordshire, Pleasure Beach in Lancashire, Chessington World of Adventures and Thorpe Park in Surrey, LEGOLAND Windsor in Berkshire and Paultons Park in Hampshire.
Other previous winners include Adventure Island in Essex, Blackgang Chine on the Isle of Wight, Crealy in Devon, Fantasy Island in Lincolnshire and West Midlands Safari Park in Worcestershire.
Also winning awards last year were Adventure Coast Southport in Merseyside, BeWILDerwood in Cheshire & Norfolk, Flamingo Land in Yorkshire, Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach in Norfolk, Pleasurewood Hills in Suffolk, Sundown Adventureland in Nottinghamshire, Wicksteed Park in Northamptonshire and Gulliver's Theme Parks.
