Kettering, Friday, 31 October 2025.
Organisers confirmed the UK Theme Park Awards will take place at Wicksteed Park in 2025, signalling a shift toward a more experiential format. Held on Thursday, the ceremony pairs operator-led judging — a nine-strong panel of experts — with public voting that opened on Monday and closed on Monday, creating a hybrid scoring model that privileges operational metrics, guest-experience technology and safety standards. New categories such as Best Use of IP, Best Queue Line Experience and Best Integration of Technology signal where procurement and product roadmaps will focus. For operators and suppliers the event is a timely benchmarking and B2B platform ahead of peak buying cycles: expect targeted launches, sponsorship activations and shortlist criteria tied to measurable operational outcomes. Regional hosting at Wicksteed underscores appetite for hybrid conference-and-showcase venues. Retail and F&B suppliers should read shortlist trends as indicators of procurement priorities and partnership opportunities for the coming 12–18 months.