The 22nd Annual Group Travel Awards were held on the 1st June 2018 at the London Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel. The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, for the first time, were nominated within the category ‘Best Attraction for group Visits outside of London’; a very strong category! Matt Johnson (popular Welsh broadcaster) led proceedings alongside, Lander Travel Publications Partnership and Product Director, Sarah Jeffrey. There were 26 categories to be won and they were voted for by readers Group Travel Organiser magazine (GTO).
The evening began with a beautiful champagne reception within the Foyer, sponsored by Bat out of Hell, for mingling and networking. Then we moved down to the huge ballroom, decorations sponsored by the Smash Hit Broadway musical Wicked. Aimee and myself were on table with table 15 consisting of 2 people from Merlin attractions and 6 people from Groups Direct.
The first surprise entertainment came from Louise Dearman, star of stage and screen. She performed 2 songs from the West End hit musical Wicked! This was received with great enthusiasm by all, concluding with the big crowd pleaser, "Defying Gravity".
The four-course meal was then followed with the main event, the announcements of the winners of the 26 categories. Unfortunately, we were not winners this time: Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes won for the fourth year in a row and Iron-bridge Gorge Museum, Shropshire was the worthy runner-up. It was very tough competition.
The evening continued with live music from the Talented ‘Chip Shop Boys’, an impromptu casino, and cocktails. A great night was had by all!
