Kettering, Friday, 17 October 2025.
The UK Theme Park Awards moved to Wicksteed Park for the 2025 edition, hosted by Naomi Wilkinson and Dave Payne, with a nine‑member expert judging panel blending operators, tech and media specialists. Most striking: organisers chose Wicksteed — opened in 1921 and Britain’s longest continually operating mainland park — signalling a deliberate shift toward regional, heritage venues as industry hubs. The programme expanded technical and guest‑experience categories (including IP use, queue/pre‑show design and tech integration) and introduced creator awards, while winners were decided by a mix of public voting and peer scoring. That combination raises the bar for evidencing operational improvements, safety upgrades and return on capital, making the awards a strategic platform for operators and suppliers to validate launches, secure sponsorship and shape 2025 season marketing timelines. Public voting window and submission deadlines were set to influence product rollouts and PR plans, so operators should treat the awards as both benchmark and commercial opportunity.