Kettering, Thursday, 18 September 2025.
The UK Theme Park Awards move to Wicksteed Park this Thursday, with Naomi Wilkinson and Dave Payne hosting and a nine‑member expert panel set to judge 22 categories. For retail and procurement leaders, the ceremony doubles as a concentrated sourcing and networking platform: public voting runs July–September, offering a live barometer of supplier capability, IP use, queue design and tech integration across UK parks. New award classes such as Best Use of IP, Best Queue Line Experience and Best Integration of Technology spotlight areas where operators are investing ahead of major developments; notably, Universal’s concurrent supplier call for its proposed Bedford resort amplifies the prize’s commercial relevance by creating near‑term opportunities for vendors. Wicksteed’s selection—Britain’s oldest continuously operating mainland park—frames the sector’s blend of heritage and innovation. Expect reputational gains for winners and a marketplace for procurement teams to identify partners and close capability gaps before large capital projects commence.