Swan Theatre’s Annual Pantomime Shortlisted in Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards 2026/27
17 September 2026
Worcester Theatres is delighted to announce that the Swan Theatre’s annual pantomime has been nominated for Festival and Event of the Year at the Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards 2026/27. The Swan Theatre has also received a nomination in the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award category.
The Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards is one of the largest business celebration events in Worcestershire, recognising and rewarding the county’s billion-pound visitor economy. The awards celebrate the very best of what the county has to offer. Recognising outstanding organisations, sustainable practices and recently launched new businesses in the sector. The Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards is in partnership with the VisitEngland Awards of Excellence.
The Swan Theatre’s annual pantomime has been nominated for Festival and Event of the Year, where the public can vote for their favourite event of the year in Worcestershire. In 2025/26 the Swan Theatre’s annual pantomime brought in 20,000 theatregoers to the Sleeping Beauty production over the 5-week season, which was a major milestone for the charity that hit record-breaking numbers.
The annual pantomime is produced by The Worcester Repertory Company, the in-house theatre company based at the Swan Theatre. Originally founded in 1968, the company produces a diverse programme of shows throughout the year, while also providing valuable opportunities for emerging actors to gain professional experience and develop their careers. One such performer is Amy Lyons, who took on the lead role in the Sleeping Beauty pantomime. Her professional debut attracted recognition from leading figures in the pantomime industry, earning her a nomination for Best Newcomer to Industry at the UK Pantomime Awards 2026.
Worcester Theatres is honoured to receive these nominations from the Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards, which recognises the hard work of the Worcester Repertory Company and the entire Worcester Theatres team in bringing the magic of pantomime to children and families across Worcester every festive season. In addition to Worcester Theatres’ ongoing efforts to make the Swan Theatre a more accessible and inclusive venue for everyone, the organisation is committed to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience and enjoy theatre and the arts in Worcester.
Sarah-Jane Morgan, Chief Executive & Artistic Director at Worcester Theatres said, “I am absolutely delighted that our Swan Theatre Pantomime has been shortlisted for Festival and Event of the Year at the Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards. After welcoming more than 20,000 theatregoers to our Sleeping Beauty panto last year, this recognition is a wonderful testament to the hard work and creativity of the entire Worcester Repertory Company team.
“We’re also incredibly proud to be nominated for the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award, recognising our ongoing commitment to breaking down barriers and ensuring theatre is accessible to everyone. We would be hugely grateful if our audiences and supporters would take a moment to vote for the Swan Theatre Pantomime and help us celebrate this achievement!”
Public voting for the Festival and Event of the Year category closes at midnight on Wednesday 30 September 2026, with the winner announced at the Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards in March 2027.
To vote for the Swan Theatre’s annual pantomime for the Festival and Event of the Year click here!