RBH Annual Awards 2026: Our Magic Mirror at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom
5 March 2026 · behind-the-scenes
Tonight we are inside one of the most stunning venues in the country. The Blackpool Tower Ballroom is hosting the RBH Hospitality Management Annual Awards 2026, and we are right in the middle of it with our Magic Mirror, ready to capture hundreds of photos as over 450 of the UK hospitality industry's finest celebrate an incredible year.
This is a big one. RBH Hospitality Management is the UK's leading hotel management company, overseeing a portfolio of more than 50 hotels across the country. Their annual awards ceremony brings together the very best general managers, teams, and individuals from properties spanning Hilton, Marriott, IHG, Accor, and independent boutique hotels. Tonight, the Blackpool Tower Ballroom is the stage where the stars of British hospitality get the recognition they deserve.
What Are the RBH Annual Awards?
The RBH Annual Awards are one of the most prestigious events in the UK hospitality calendar. Every year, RBH Hospitality Management gathers its entire portfolio together to celebrate outstanding achievement across eight award categories. These are not token gestures. Each award is measured against rigorous performance metrics that define what excellence looks like in modern hospitality.
The headline award, Hotel of the Year, is judged across seven core metrics: market share, profitability, profit flowthrough, guest experience scores, health and safety compliance, employee retention and engagement, and energy reduction. It is a comprehensive assessment that rewards hotels delivering excellence across every aspect of their operation.
Other categories include General Manager of the Year, Manager of the Year, the People Engagement Award, Food & Beverage Success Award, Giving Something Back Award, the RBH Manco & Beyond Award, and the Outstanding Achievement Award. Beyond the main categories, every hotel and the management company itself recognises an Employee of the Year, chosen by colleagues and management teams. It is a night that truly celebrates everyone from the boardroom to the front desk.
The Blackpool Tower Ballroom: A Venue Like No Other
If you are going to celebrate the best of British hospitality, you need a venue that matches the occasion. The Blackpool Tower Ballroom delivers that and then some. Built in 1894 and modelled on the Paris Opera House, this Grade I listed ballroom is one of the most breathtaking event spaces in the world. The ornate ceiling, the grand chandeliers, the sprung dance floor, the sweeping balconies — it is pure theatrical grandeur.
With capacity for up to 750 guests cabaret-style, the ballroom is perfectly suited for a gala awards night of this scale. Tonight, over 450 hospitality professionals are seated across the ballroom floor, with the stage set for the awards presentations, live entertainment, and of course our Magic Mirror capturing every moment.
We have worked at some incredible venues across Blackpool and the Lancashire coast, but the Tower Ballroom never fails to take your breath away. The lighting, the architecture, the sheer scale of the room — it creates an atmosphere that you simply cannot replicate anywhere else. For the teams being recognised tonight, walking up to collect their award in this setting is something they will remember for the rest of their careers.
Our Magic Mirror Setup for 450+ Guests
When you are providing entertainment for an awards ceremony of this calibre, the setup needs to match. Our Magic Mirror is positioned in the perfect spot for maximum engagement, and with over 450 guests here tonight, we are expecting to take hundreds of photos throughout the evening.
The Magic Mirror is ideal for corporate awards nights. Here is why it works so brilliantly at an event like the RBH Annual Awards:
- Full-length mirror experience — Guests step up to the mirror in their black-tie outfits and see themselves looking their absolute best. The interactive touchscreen guides them through animations, poses, and digital signatures before delivering an instant high-quality print.
- Custom branded templates — Every print features bespoke branding for the event, giving guests a professional keepsake that ties directly to the RBH Awards 2026.
- Instant prints and digital sharing — Physical prints go home with guests as a memento of the night, while digital copies can be shared instantly via SMS, perfect for posting on LinkedIn and social media.
- Natural networking catalyst — At an event bringing together teams from 50+ hotels, the Magic Mirror becomes a brilliant icebreaker. Teams pose together, colleagues from different properties connect, and award winners celebrate their moment with a professional photo.
Corporate events are where the Magic Mirror truly shines. It is sophisticated enough for a black-tie gala yet fun enough to get even the most reserved hotel manager laughing and striking a pose. By the end of tonight, we will have captured hundreds of moments — from celebratory winner shots to group photos of entire hotel teams.
Why the UK Hospitality Industry Deserves Celebrating
The UK hospitality industry employs over 3.5 million people and contributes billions to the national economy. But beyond the numbers, hospitality is about people. It is about the hotel receptionist who turns a stressful check-in into a warm welcome. The chef who creates a dining experience that becomes the highlight of someone's trip. The housekeeper whose attention to detail makes a guest feel genuinely cared for.
Events like the RBH Annual Awards matter because they shine a spotlight on these people. In an industry that often goes unrecognised, tonight is about saying thank you. Thank you to the general managers who lead their teams through challenging periods. Thank you to the employees who go above and beyond every single day. Thank you to everyone who makes British hospitality world-class.
RBH's commitment to recognising their teams is something we genuinely admire. With 25 years in the business and a portfolio that spans budget to luxury, economy to five-star, they understand that their success is built on the people who run their hotels. Tonight's awards are the proof of that commitment.
Magic Mirror Hire for Corporate Awards and Gala Dinners
If you are organising a corporate awards ceremony, gala dinner, or large-scale hospitality event, a Magic Mirror adds a layer of entertainment and engagement that guests genuinely love. We have provided our Magic Mirror for corporate events across the North West, from intimate company celebrations to large-scale industry awards like tonight.
Our corporate Magic Mirror packages include:
- Full-length interactive Magic Mirror with touchscreen technology
- Custom branded print templates featuring your company logo and event branding
- Instant high-quality prints for every guest
- Digital photo delivery via SMS
- Professional setup and dedicated attendant throughout the event
- Props and accessories tailored to your event theme
We cover events across Blackpool, Lancashire, Manchester, Liverpool, and the wider North West. Whether your event is for 50 guests or 500, we have the experience and equipment to deliver something memorable.
Tonight at the RBH Annual Awards 2026, we are proving exactly that. Over 450 guests, one iconic venue, hundreds of photos, and a Magic Mirror that is keeping the celebration going all night long.
Check availability for your corporate event or get in touch to discuss how we can make your next awards night unforgettable. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for photos from tonight's event at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.