HEY! Volunteering has been shortlisted as one of ten national finalists for VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar 2026 award. This recognition reflects the impact the volunteers have across Hull & East Yorkshire - supporting events, enhancing visitor experience, contributing to the region’s profile, and generally being a big blue wave of positivity! Being shortlisted places the programme alongside initiatives from across the country and offers a valuable platform to showcase the work happening here.
Vote for HEY! Volunteering!
The final winner is chosen entirely by public vote, so please help us bring it home for Hull and East Yorkshire.
Voting closes on 22 March.
You can watch the short finalist film and vote here
What is the VisitEngland Tourism Superstar Award
The Tourism Superstar competition is held annually by VisitEngland to recognise those in the tourism industry that provide an unforgettable experience for visitors. Tourism superstars are passionate about the destination they work in, the work they do and go above and beyond to set a high standard of service in England’s tourism industry. Entrants were nominated in Autumn 2025, with the 10 finalists announced in the following weeks. Voting closes on 22nd March 2026, and the winner will be announced after. English Tourism Week.
Find out about the Tourism Superstar 2026 finalists
What is HEY! Volunteering and what do they do?
Created in 2016, ahead of Hull City of Culture, the volunteers enhanced the visitor experience and supporting visitors and venues with a wave of positivity and in-depth knowledge of the area and a passion to be part of an extraordinary community.
Their bright blue uniforms have become iconic over the years and the volunteers, now known as HEY! Volunteering have created a community of around 2500 volunteers that support tourism, arts, heritage and culture across Hull and East Yorkshire. The programme invests in the volunteers giving them the confidence and skills to go out into the area and be able to support communities, events, organisations and venues with enthusiasm.
Find out more about HEY! Volunteering
