Blackpool Pleasure Beach will be honoured at the IAAPA Expo Europe, being held in London later this month.

The UK theme park joined the association in 1923 when founder, William G. Bean, attended an annual meeting and became the first member from outside of North America.

During the Expo, Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s current CEO, Amanda Thompson OBE, will be awarded with a 75+Year Member Ribbon that will only be worn by Blackpool Pleasure Beach staff during the event.

The honour acknowledges the relationship between the two organisations as IAAPA Expo Europe returns to London for the first time since 2011.

Thompson said: “Blackpool Pleasure Beach and IAAPA have a long and illustrious history together.

"Not only did I serve as chair in 2020 and 2021, the first European woman to do so, but my father also held the same position.

“Our shared history goes right back to my great-grandfather, WG Bean, who spoke at an early IAAPA meeting almost 100 years ago. I look forward to continuing this relationship and working with IAAPA for many more years.”

IAAPA Expo Europe 2022 takes place at ExCeL London from 12 to 15 September, and features an educational seminar programme as well as a large exhibition and networking opportunities.