Chessington World of Adventures has been announced as the host for this year’s UK Theme Park Awards, with George Akid set to return to his role as presenter during the awards ceremony at the popular attraction.
Chessington World of Adventures has been announced as the host for this year’s UK Theme Park Awards, with entertainer and performer George Akid set to return to his role as presenter during the awards ceremony at the popular attraction.
Representing the leading public facing awards for the UK theme park industry, the UK Theme Park Awards recognise the best rides and attractions, shows and events, as well as the theme parks offering the best customer service and value.
Featuring 22 voting categories, a shortlist of finalists has been compiled using public nominations and whittled down by an expert panel of judges including Planet Attractions’ Editor-in-Chief, Tom Anstey. In total 25,278 nominations have been received for 2023, with a total of 35 theme parks nominated for awards.
Chessington is nominated in a number of categories, including the coveted Theme Park of the Year, Best New Attraction and Best Theme Park for Families. The park has recently launched a Jumanji-themed attraction anchored by Mandrill Mayhem - a B&M wing coaster which is the first rollercoaster to utilise the Jumanji IP.
“We’re ‘thrilled’ to be hosting the 2023 UK Theme Park Awards at Chessington World of Adventures Resort,” said Ramesh Ganeson, divisional director for Chessington,” speaking to Planet Attractions. “We look forward to welcoming industry professionals from all over the country to our resort for a fantastic event.”
Beginning his professional career in attractions, George Akid first worked as a Redcoat for resort operator Butlins. From there, he has performed in a number of entertainment positions, including theatre, TV and voiceover work. Taking up the role as presenter of the UK Theme Park Awards for a second year, Akid is excited to be returning as host.
“What makes the UK Theme Park Awards so special is that they are voted by the public, which means the categories are so varied and brings the smaller parks up against the big hitters which is really exciting.” Akid told Planet Attractions.
“The thing I am most looking forward to is seeing how excited the award recipients are when their names are read out. Behind every nominee, there is a team of people who have helped to get to that place and winning an award is the cherry on top of the cake - you truly see how much it means to them.”