Parkcast - The UK’s Original Theme Park Podcast

I can't tell you how many times I've been asked to get Ride Comparisons on Parkcast. As we were both nominees in the UK Theme Park Awards Content Creator category for 2026 - this seemed like the perfect time. In this episode we chat about some of the big winners, and whether the parks won the awards we thought they would. There were definitely a couple of controversial ones!
I also want to say a huge thank you to everyone who nominated and voted for Parkcast in the awards this year. It means a huge amount for you to spend an hour a week with me. We may not have won this year - but Parkcast isn't going anywhere and that's only thanks to you.

As theme park enthusiasts we've all probably heard of IAAPA - especially their incredible expos. But the organisation does so much work behind the scenes in the attractions industry. I'm joined by Peter van der Schans who is the Executive Director and Vice President of IAAPA ESA for this episode to chat about why IAAPA exists, what it's done for theme parks and amusement parks globally and what we can expect from the Europe Expo in London in 2026.

Mark Lofthouse from Neon Skull is my guest on Parkcast this week. He's a theme park and amusement industry veteran (he won't mind me saying that) with over 18 years experience in creative roles. We're talking about what it takes to make it in this hugely competitive industry, how far passion will get you and the challenges facing jobs like his. And we're taking a look at some of the specific project's Mark has been involved in including terrifying scare mazes and the new ride openings at Crealy this year.

Port Aventura is a park I've loved for over 25 years. It's home to some great rides and attractions including the incredible Shambhala. But recently it's started to get a bad rep for operations, essentially destroying some of the experience for guests. Alex Brindley joins me again this week - he's a big fan of the park and has just returned from a week there. So does his experience tell us the park is improving or getting worse, and is it one you should still be looking to visit?

Hyperia has been renamed Flipzeria as part of a new sponsorship deal and we aren't enamoured with it! In this episode we're looking at theme park sponsorships over the years - which ones have worked and which ones haven't. But also, WHY have they been success or not? We're drawing on our combined experience of negotiating commercial deals and asking, should you ever just take the money? And dare we mention Oblivion and Fanta.....