A beloved theme park mascot who has entertained millions of visitors to Wicksteed Park in Kettering has been honoured with a lifetime achievement award to mark 25 years of bringing smiles to families.
Wicky Bear, one of the longest serving mascots in the UK, received the special recognition from the Mayor of Kettering, Cllr Lauren Glanfield, for services to family fun and to the local town, where he has become a legend across generations.
The commemorative plaque was unveiled on 5th August 2026 during a day of free activities at the theme park for national Playday, the annual UK wide celebration of play held on the first Wednesday of August.
The plaque, which will be on permanent display in the park's reception, reads: 'Lifetime Achievement Award: Presented to Wicky Bear by the Mayor of Kettering to commemorate 25 years of bringing joy and laughter to Wicksteed Park. 5th August, 2026.'
Speaking at the presentation, Mayor of Kettering Cllr Lauren Glanfield said:
"I would like to thank Wicky Bear for all his hard work spreading joy in Kettering. Wicky Bear has a fun-filled personality and brings a sense of happiness to any occasion he attends! I loved dancing with him at Kettfest, he’s an awesome dancer!
"Congratulations on your 25 years lifetime achievement award: here’s to another 25!"
Over the past quarter of a century, Wicky Bear has welcomed park visitors, posed for countless photographs, appeared at community events, and even starred in his own children's shows in the park theatre. High profile moments in his career include joining Pudsey to raise money for Children in Need and posing with the FA Cup when non-league Kettering Town FC reached the second round in 2024. TV fans may also recall him being recreated out of meringue by comedian James Acaster on Channel 4’s The Great Celebrity Bake Off in 2019.
Kelly Richardson, Director at Wicksteed Park, added:
"Although we believe that Wicky Bear may have been first sighted around the park in 2000, our records show that he didn’t actually become a regular until the following year.
"He’s had a few makeovers and glow-ups over the years but one thing is undeniable and that is the joy he brings to our visitors and the way children’s faces light up with excitement when they see him.
"Although he can’t speak obviously, because he is a bear, we can see he is extremely happy with this award, which is well deserved, as he is a true legend, both at the park and beyond."
Wicksteed Park combines a 281 acre estate including listed parkland with more than 25 rides and attractions for all the family. Rides are open every weekend, bank holiday, and school holiday until the first week in October.
The park features the historic Water Chute, which recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, alongside family favourites such as the Dinosaur Valley roller coaster, Jolly Jockeys, Wicky’s Farmyard, the Wicksteed Park Railway, Carousel, Sway Rider, and Pig n’ Putt Crazy Golf.
Following visitor feedback, the price of on-day wristbands purchased at the park has been reduced to £19.25 (£22 from September 2), matching the online advance purchase price. Children under 0.9m in height enter for free with an accompanying paying adult.
The award comes following high praise from national tourist board VisitEngland, which awarded the Kettering venue an 84% score in a recent assessment, highlighting its balance of traditional family entertainment, expansive green spaces, and historical significance.
