Judges

The winners of the UK Theme Park Awards 2026 will be determined by combining public votes with scores from our expert judging panel.

Andy Hine MBE

Chairman
Roller Coaster Club of Great Britain

Andy founded the Roller Coaster Club of Great Britain in 1988 to unite enthusiasts and promote amusement parks as safe, innovative entertainment. A passionate industry advocate, he has championed numerous safety campaigns, ride launches and media initiatives across print, broadcast and digital platforms. Over nearly four decades, Andy has organised events at more than 150 global parks, welcoming over 40,000 enthusiasts to UK attractions and 3,000 to Europe and the United States, whilst raising substantial funds for charity. Since 2025, he has led a dedicated campaign supporting smaller, family-run UK parks, including Wicksteed Park and Pleasure Beach Great Yarmouth. His long-standing contribution to the sector was formally recognised in 2004, when he was awarded an MBE by Her Majesty the Queen for services to the amusement park industry.

"It’s a real pleasure to once again help recognise the achievements of UK theme parks. It’s important to showcase that the UK can compete with the very best in the world - and that you don’t have to travel abroad to experience outstanding rides and attractions."

Chris Belvin-Bailey

Founder
Attraction Source

Chris is the owner and founder of Attraction Source - one of the largest online communities for fans of theme parks and attractions in the UK and beyond, also encompassing the TowersTimes brand. The community aims to bring like-minded people together, whether that be via the websites, social media or in person at one of the unforgettable enthusiast events.

"I'm grateful to have been asked to be a judge for the 2026 UK Theme Park Awards! It's another exciting year to be a fan or industry professional, and I can't wait to celebrate all the successes again - so good luck to those nominated!"

Dawn Foote

President
Themed Entertainment Association EME

Dawn is Co-Founder and CEO of Katapult, an award-winning themed attraction design company specialising in the creation of world-class attractions, experiences and destinations. Working with IP owners, investors, developers, and operators worldwide, she leads the conception, development, and delivery of experiences that transform powerful intellectual property into commercially successful, destination-led attractions. Under Dawn's leadership, Katapult has earned recognition in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work list and achieved B Corp Certification, reflecting the company's commitment to being a business that is a force for good. Alongside her role at Katapult, Dawn serves as President of the Europe & Middle East Division of the Themed Entertainment Association and sits on the Executive Committee of Experience UK, where she champions the international growth of the UK's creative, cultural, and experience economy.

"I'm delighted to be joining the UK Theme Park Awards judging panel and celebrating the creativity, innovation, and dedication that make our industry so special. It's also a fantastic opportunity to come together in person and recognise the talented people behind the experiences that inspire and entertain millions of visitors every year."

John Fosbrooke

Publisher
InterPark

With over thirty years of experience in publishing, John has led several B2B magazines within the entertainment sector. His lifelong passion for themed attractions is evident in every edition of the magazine and serves as the driving force behind the website's content. InterPark offers a comprehensive archive of up-to-date information tailored to theme park professionals, underpinned by a deep understanding of the industry it serves.

"It's an honour to highlight the remarkable achievements of the UK theme park sector, which competes on a global stage and delivers attractions that make the UK proud. While this is a UK award, it's clear that the world is watching."

Lawrence Roots

Founder
Theme Park Network

Lawrence is the founder of Theme Park Network, a platform that connects attractions and providers with industry news and insights. In 2020, he established the UK Theme Park Awards to recognise and promote high standards of innovation and guest experience across the country. Alongside these ventures, Lawrence provides freelance consultancy in experience development, helping attractions develop and refine their visitor offer.

"Now in its seventh year, the scale and standard of the UK Theme Park Awards continue to grow. I’m absolutely delighted to return to the judging panel and help shine a spotlight on the incredible community of operators, industry professionals, and digital creators who make the UK attractions sector so vibrant."

Owen Ralph

Attractions Industry Journalist
Words and Attractions

Owen Ralph has covered theme parks and attractions for over 20 years, writing for publications including Blooloop, Kirmes & Park Revue and Park World. He has also served on boards/committees with IAAPA and the TEA.

"I write about theme parks, amusement parks, waterparks, funfairs and other attractions for a professional audience. I believe in conveying the fun and colour of the industry in my work while never neglecting the detail that attractions operators and suppliers are looking for."

Paul Kelly

Chief Executive
British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions

Paul has had a 35 year professional interest and enjoyment with Britain's theme parks. His career started as an operator on a ride at Thorpe Park. It didn't take long to get hooked into the atmosphere and energy of that environment. During 15 years at Thorpe Park, Paul worked in all areas of the park's operation. This proved beneficial when taking up the role of Head of Operations for the opening of the London Eye in 2000. After 5 enjoyable years at the London Eye, more theme parks and other visitor attractions became part of a daily routine whilst working as a member of the business development set up for Merlin. As CEO for BALPPA, Paul has continued to work in the theme park and attractions sector and gets to experience the innovation and passion that still drives this industry on a daily basis.

"Being part of this judging team allows me to acknowledge some of the hard work and expertise that goes into the design and delivery of great experiences across the UK theme park sector."

Scott Bickerton

Founder
Your Experience Guide

Scott founded Your Experience Guide - originally Pleasure Beach Experience - in 2009 with the aim of bringing Blackpool Pleasure Beach fans together in an online community. Since then, this community has grown thanks to its popular roller coaster enthusiast events hosted at UK, European and American theme parks. Through the Your Experience Guide brand, Scott also runs a popular YouTube channel documenting experiences at visitor attractions all over the world.

"I'm grateful and excited to be part of the UK Theme Park Awards for 2026, and can't wait to collaborate with the talented team on the panel."

Shawn & Charlotte Sanbrooke

Content Creators
Theme Park Worldwide

Since a young age both Shawn & Charlotte grew up with their families visiting theme parks all across the UK. As Shawn's passion for theme parks started to grow even more, his parents would regularly take him to theme parks in Europe, this is where his love for travel would also start. Shawn started sharing his adventures online from 14 years old and later went on to create Theme Park Worldwide in 2012. Then, In 2013 Shawn met Charlotte at Alton Towers whilst watching the construction of The Smiler and they would then start to travel to theme parks all across the world together along with later getting married and having a child called George. 

“We are delighted to be part of the judging panel for the UK Theme Park Awards 2026. This incredible industry is one that we have loved for many years and it'll be great to help celebrate it with the awards!”

Sue Macmillan

Chief Executive Officer
Mumsnet

Sue Macmillan is Chief Executive Officer of Mumsnet, the UK’s largest and most trusted platform for parents and a rapidly evolving digital business rooted in real human conversation. Sue has been with Mumsnet since 2011, rising through senior leadership and stepping into the CEO role as the business continues to scale and extend its impact. Before joining Mumsnet, Sue worked as a digital consultant and Head of New Media for the Labour Party and has held elected office as a councillor and cabinet member in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, with responsibility for children and education. She is also the mother of a nine-year-old son, whose arrival has provided the perfect cover for a lifelong love of theme parks.

“Great theme parks create lasting memories across generations. As both a parent and a lifelong enthusiast, I'm delighted to support the UK Theme Park Awards and help recognise the people, attractions and innovations that make the UK's theme parks among the very best family days out.”