The British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions (BALPPA) was founded in 1936. BALPPA is the Trade Association that represents the interests of the owners, managers, suppliers and developers of the UK’s commercial leisure parks, piers, zoos and static visitor attractions sector.

BALPPA was first known as the Association of Amusement Park Proprietors of Great Britain (AAPP). It was formed following a report which was to be made by Chief Police Constables on the question of giving prizes on Amusement Parks. The actions planned to be implemented by the police, prompted Leonard Thompson (1914-1976), Managing Director of Blackpool Pleasure Beach, to organise a meeting with the most prominent amusement proprietors in the country to protect the interests of predominantly seaside businesses.

A meeting was held on 25 November 1936 with the intention to organise the sector and formulate a Code of Ethics which would give it a voice in front of the Home Office, ensure co-operation and avoid contravening any upcoming legislation. Captain J. Russell Pickering was appointed to be the first Secretary of the Association and the first annual subscription for membership was agreed at twenty guineas.

The founding members included; Leonard Thompson of Blackpool Pleasure Beach, William Buttlin (1899-1980), H.F.B. Eric Iles of Dreamland Park and F. E. Williams of The Kursaal, all of whom served as chairman of the association.

During the Second World War, the Association’s meetings were suspended and many seaside parks were requisitioned by the Government for war work, including Butlins holiday camps and Dreamland. Subscriptions to AAPP continued but the price was halved as the Association’s activities and the sector were near paralysed by the war.

At the end of WWII business was resumed and along with other akin associations, the AAPP became a founding member of the National Amusement Council (NAC). NAC covered a considerable section of the entertainment industry including amusement parks, live entertainment, circuses, showmen and theatre. For the first time in history the entertainment industry presented a united voice to government. Amongst other initiatives, the AAPP instigated an initiative through NAC to provide returning ex-service men, including those disabled by the war with employment in the amusement park industry.

Post-war Chairmen included D.F. Warren, Cyril Mills, Sir Leslie Joseph, A.M. Booth, Cyril Griffiths, Bill Youngman, R.M. Dixon, Eric Hughes, Stan Bollom, Albert Bottom, Derrick Brenner, C.J. Morehouse, Michael Goss, Charles Burrell, D. Harrison, Alfred Codona, Geoffrey Thompson, Jimmy Jones and John Collins.

Since the end of WWII the Association has been recognised by the government as the authoritative body representing permanent amusement parks and piers and has been consulted on a number of matters including the drafting of Local Authority Byelaws, Town and Country Planning Regulations and Health and Safety Codes of Practice.

In 1951 the AAPP supported the government on the organisation of the Festival of Britain, which intention was to promote a sense of optimism amongst the British population who were still feeling the aftermaths of the war.

The first Model Byelaws for Local Authorities were produced in 1957 by the Home Office after the consultation with the Association and other representatives of the industry. Since that time it has been necessary for every local authority seeking to make byelaws relating to pleasure fairs to submit the proposal draft to the Association for comment and approval.

In 1960 the AAPP worked significantly on the Betting and Gambling Act, lobbying government to ensure the interests of its members were protected as much as possible.

In 1976 the Home Office Guide to Safety at Fairs was published after consultation with the Association and the Showmen’s Guild of Great Britain. By that time the Association’s own ride inspection scheme was well established, making annual certified inspections a condition of membership. This same year the Association changed its name to include Piers, in recognition of the growing numbers within its membership.

In 1980 the Association was invited to appoint representatives to serve on the newly formed Review Body of the Health and Safety Executive at Preston, responsible for the health and safety regulation of the entertainment industry. The Review Body and its working parties have been engaged since January 1983 in drafting and developing the Code of Safe Practice at Fairs and the relevant Guidance Notes for specific rides and equipment.

The early 1980's saw a significant expansion in the entertainment industry and growth in membership with a large number of current prominent members joining at this point including; Funland Hayling Island, Lightwater Valley, Gullivers Kingdom and Brean Leisure Park.

In 1980 a joint working committee was formed by the Association and its German counterpart the Verband Deutscher Freizeintunternehmen, which led to the formation of the Europarks Federation in May 1981. Europarks Federation is officially recognised by the EU as the consultative organisation for permanent parks and attractions throughout Europe.

In 1986 the AAPP adopted its current name as the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions Ltd., in order to represent the wider range of parks and attractions eligible for membership. A year later membership welcomed Trade Associates, which represent manufacturers, suppliers, consultants and designers.

In 1995 the first NVQ specific to the attraction industry was developed by BALPPA.

BALPPA is based at 29-30 Ely Place, London and is a constituent member of the National Amusement Council on which the Showmen’s Guild of Great Britain and the British Amusement Catering Trades Association are similarly represented. Amongst its over 300 current members are some of the most prestigious names of the British amusement industry including; the London Eye, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Madame Tussauds, Alton Towers and Thorpe Park. The current operation membership includes Theme Parks, Amusement Parks, Zoos, Piers, Safari Parks, Museums, Farm Parks and Agri Attractions, Family Entertainment Centres and Stand Alone Attractions.

An Annual General Meeting (AGM) is held in London every January at the same time as the Amusement Trades Exhibition International. A parliamentary lunch is arranged towards the end of February to ensure that members of both Houses and of all the major political parties are kept up to date with the Association’s progress and needs. An overseas conference is normally arranged during May and a summer meeting and conference in late June.

A Management Committee elected at the AGM meets regularly throughout the year to monitor developments, take action where necessary and keep members up to date with relevant matters. Subcommittees also meet regularly to deal with health and safety, town and county planning, national and local legislation and other issues.

BALPPA’s principal aims are: To represent the needs and concerns of the industry to HM Government departments, policy-makers and influencers.

To promote safe practice throughout the industry.

To promote and defend the interests of the industry.

To provide Members with advice, information and services to encourage best practice within the industry.

To support the sharing of ideas, professionalism and profitability through networking, sector sub group meetings and an online forum.

To act as an authoritative source of information concerning the industry to the media and other opinion formers.