Kettering, Thursday, 4 September 2025.
Retail and attractions professionals should note that the 2025 UK Theme Park Awards will be staged at Wicksteed Park on Thursday 18 September, combining public nominations and a nine‑member expert jury to boost visibility for regional operators. Nominations drew more than 14,000 entries and public voting opened on Monday in July before closing last Monday, signalling strong consumer engagement. New categories—such as Best Use of IP, Best Queue Line Experience or Pre‑Show, and Best Integration of Technology—create clearer benchmarking and PR opportunities for suppliers and experience teams. Hosts Naomi Wilkinson and Dave Payne and a TAG Live livestreaming programme promise reach beyond the ballroom. For retailers, the shift outside metropolitan conference hubs suggests potential for destination marketing, local supply‑chain activation and footfall‑led commercial leads tied to award exposure. Expect networking that generates commercial conversations as much as trophies; shortlist and winner lists will offer practical benchmarking data to inform merchandising, guest flow solutions and tech partnerships.