A Bristol and Bath tour guide has reached the finalist stages for the prestigious VisitEngland Tourism Superstar award for 2026, with a public vote for the winner opening on 9 February.
Sheila Hannon - co-founder of Show of Strength theatre company - is one of only ten finalists to reach the final stage of the nationwide competition, following her nomination from Visit West, the Local Visitor Economy Partnership for Bristol, Bath and the region.
The VisitEngland Tourism Superstar competition celebrates people in the industry who go the extra mile, recognising the dedication and care that helps visitors have a truly memorable experience.
After starting the company in Bedminster, Bristol in 1986, Sheila quickly established Show of Strength’s reputation for pioneering and highly entertaining productions at the Hen and Chicken in Bedminster, Bristol and went on to open the Tobacco Factory Theatres in 1998.
Some 40 years on from when she co-founded Show of Strength, Sheila continues to innovate with the company’s actor-led theatre walks: turning Bristol and Bath’s amazing true stories into live theatre - on the streets.
From Blood and Butchery in Bedminster; Treasure Island Story Walk on Bristol’s Harbourside; Crime and Crinolines in Clifton; Saints and Sinners in St George and more recently, The Frankenstein Experience in Bath, Sheila’s theatre walks from Show of Strength uncover new stories not just in city centres, but in local neighbourhoods too and feature six actors who lead the tours with her.
Sheila Hannon says: “I’m absolutely thrilled and deeply honoured to be shortlisted for the VisitEngland Tourism Superstar Award. Storytelling has always been at the heart of everything we do at Show of Strength. These tours are about celebrating the extraordinary stories hidden in our streets, neighbourhoods and communities. To be recognised for work that brings people together, sparks curiosity and helps visitors see Bristol and Bath in a new way means a great deal.”
Kathryn Davis, CEO of Visit West adds: “We are lucky to have such a rich pool of talented people working in the Visitor Economy sector in our region and it’s been our pleasure to nominate Sheila Hannon and see her get to the final stages of the VisitEngland Tourism Superstar award for 2026.
“Sheila’s creativity, her passion for the region and her ability to lead Show of Strength Theatre walks in such an engaging way really sets her apart. Her theatre walks highlight lesser-known people and places in and around Bristol and Bath and are enormously fun and fabulous. Sheila is a credit to the region and we urge people to vote for her to win this prestigious award.”
The public can vote for their favourite Tourism Superstar from 9 February via the VisitEngland website, with the winner being announced during English Tourism Week Friday 13 - Sunday 22 March 2026:
See Sheila’s nomination video and vote for her here:
https://visitenglandawards.secure-platform.com/tourismsuperstar/gallery/rounds/454/details/44693
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