The winners of the UK Theme Park Awards 2026 will be announced on 10 September during a highly anticipated awards ceremony. This year holds extra significance for the host venue, as Blackpool's Pleasure Beach Resort is celebrating 130 years, alongside a remarkable 90 years of its legendary ice shows.
After previous ceremonies at Drayton Manor (2022), Chessington World of Adventures (2023), Thorpe Park (2024) and Wicksteed Park (2025), the UK Theme Park Awards is now delighted to partner with the iconic Pleasure Beach Resort in Blackpool.
A Spectacular Show for the Industry and the Public
Presented in association with AttractionTickets.com, the event is shaping up to be the biggest yet. TAG Live®, a leading name in live entertainment production, will be producing the ceremony and running the official livestream, ensuring fans across the country can join in the celebrations. The public can watch the live stream from 11.30am at ukthemeparkawards.com.
Andy Mills-Brown, Founder and CEO of TAG Live®, shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming event:
"We’re thrilled to be working with the UK Theme Park Awards once again and to be part of an event that celebrates such a vibrant and exciting industry. This year’s setting in Blackpool provides a fantastic backdrop."
Adding to the excitement, the 2026 awards will be hosted by two fantastic presenters: Naomi Wilkinson, TV presenter and children's entertainment favourite, and Dave Payne, the renowned presenter and master of awards ceremonies. Their energy and passion for the industry promise to make this year's ceremony unforgettable.
Naomi Wilkinson said:
"I am really looking forward to hosting the UK Theme Park Awards again this year, and who better to share the stage with than Dave Payne!"
Dave Payne added:
"It's fantastic to be back hosting the UK Theme Park Awards with Naomi. From my own childhood memories of the fantastic rides in Blackpool to now recognising the very top of the theme park industry on stage, I can't wait to get started on the 10th September."
Exclusive Details for Invited Guests
While the public will enjoy the entire awards ceremony via livestream, invited guests and industry delegates have a jam-packed schedule of exclusive events to look forward to:
- Behind-the-Scenes Tour and Directors' Reception
- Trade Show and Awards Ceremony
- Exclusive Ride Time on Aviktas and ICON
- After Party featuring a live DJ set by Rosco
- A special performance of Hot Ice XC
World-Class Entertainment: Hot Ice XC
Attendees are in for a spectacular treat with a special performance of Hot Ice XC. The production features an international cast of 30 Olympic and world champion skaters.
The live performance combines high-speed skating with special effects and theatrical elements, including pyrotechnics that literally set the ice on fire, alongside acrobatic feats such as backflips and triple spins. The production's elaborate costumes are designed and manufactured entirely in-house, incorporating 11,000 handstitched rhinestones as well as hand-picked ostrich and pheasant feathers.
A Proud Host
The leadership at Pleasure Beach Resort is eager to welcome the industry to their historic park.
Amanda Thompson OBE, CEO at Pleasure Beach Resort, said:
"It is truly an honour to be welcoming the UK Theme Park Awards to Pleasure Beach Resort for the first time. It's an event that celebrates the very best of our industry, and we're looking forward to opening our doors to colleagues and friends from across the sector.
"The UK Theme Park Awards 2026 promises to be a fantastic occasion, and we can't wait to showcase everything that makes Pleasure Beach such a special place."
James Cox, Director of Marketing, Sales and PR, added:
"Hosting the 2026 UK Theme Park Awards is a brilliant opportunity for us to showcase everything Pleasure Beach Resort has to offer to the wider industry. Delegates can enjoy our rich history blended with our iconic rides and continued investment into the future, including our exciting new ride, Aviktas.
"The awards are the perfect platform to demonstrate our ambition and innovation. We're excited to welcome everyone to experience it first hand, and proud to be at the heart of such a huge event for the industry."
