Wicksteed Park shortlisted for three top gongs at UK Theme Park Awards

Wicksteed Park will go up against the likes of Legoland and Thorpe Park after being shortlisted for top industry gongs.

The Kettering attraction is in the running in three categories at this year’s UK Theme Park Awards, with members of the public set to vote for their favourites.

Its 25m-tall garden wheel ride – which opened in May – has been nominated for the best new ride and the park is also in with a chance of being named the UK’s best theme park with animals.

And its iconic water chute, which was crowned as the UK’s best historic ride in 2022, has this year been nominated for the best water ride.

Carly Redington, Wicksteed Park’s head of sales and marketing, said: “We’re delighted to have been nominated in three different categories and it’s obviously particularly exciting to be shortlisted with the garden wheel for the best new ride.

“We are up against some stiff competition with the likes of Legoland Windsor and Thorpe Park but it’s great to get recognition for our ongoing investment programme in the park alongside one of our heritage rides.”

Now in its fourth year, the awards give the British public the chance to vote for their favourite theme parks in national awards recognising the best new rides and attractions, shows and events. Voting will open on July 22 at ukthemeparkawards.com.

More than 25,000 nominations were received, with a total of 35 theme parks nominated for awards in 2023.