Blue Light Weekend supporters are being urged to get behind the Withernsea event as it bids to win a major regional tourism award.
The popular weekend is the only Holderness event shortlisted for Remarkable Tourism Event of the Year at the 2026 Remarkable East Yorkshire Tourism Awards (REYTAs).
For the first time in the awards’ 16-year history, members of the public will help decide the winner of the category, with Blue Light Weekend competing against eight other events from across Hull and East Yorkshire.
The results of the public vote will be combined with scores from independent judges to determine the overall winner, which will be announced at Bridlington Spa on Wednesday, November 18.
Voting closes at midnight on Wednesday, October 14.
Blue Light Weekend, which brings emergency services, military displays, live entertainment, children’s activities, sea events and an air show to Withernsea, is up against Beverley Pride, Bridlington Ice Trail, Freedom Festival, Humber Street Sesh, H2O Heroes at The Deep, Paws in the Pasture at Tickton Farm, Pride in Hull and The Big Malarkey Festival.
The awards are organised by Visit Hull and East Yorkshire (VHEY) and recognise excellence throughout the region’s tourism industry.
Chris Blacksell, chairman of VHEY, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for the public to have their say for the first time and cast their vote for the event they think should win.
“We’re going to really value their opinions because they’re the people who go to these events and have hopefully had fantastic experiences.
“The winner of that category will know the public has genuinely contributed to the decision, which is brilliant.”
Once voting has closed, the nine finalists will be ranked according to the number of votes they have received. The result will then be combined with the judges’ scores.
VHEY has reported a record-breaking number of entries for the 2026 awards, including many businesses taking part for the first time.
Cllr Nick Coultish, East Riding Council’s portfolio holder for culture, leisure and tourism, said: “The REYTAs is an outstanding event and a true celebration of the region’s tourism champions.
“It would be great to see the finalists get behind the public vote and encourage their supporters and followers to take part. All of the finalists are in with a fantastic chance.”
The ceremony will be hosted by Bridlington-born television and radio presenter Jack Marriner-Brown, who appeared in the third series of BBC’s The Traitors and is also a presenter on BBC Morning Live and BBC Radio Humberside.
Eligible winners will progress to the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, giving them the chance to represent Hull and East Yorkshire nationally.
To vote for Blue Light Weekend, visit visitengland-chapters.secure-platform.com/a/organizations/REY/gallery?roundId=522