The awards are presented annually at a dinner held to coincide with Toy Fair. Next year, the gala evening will take place on 29 January 2009, the second day of the show.

The BTHA will also be responsible for judging the Best Toy Shop awards and has refined the process for next year. Letters inviting nominations from BTHA members and agents were mailed out this week. The deadline for nominating is 31st October. Nominated shops will be then be asked to complete a detailed entry form and submit a series of images for their entry to be taken further.

The shortlist will be announced at the beginning of December, and the winners revealed on the night. Nine awards will be presented by the BTHA to the best independent and multiple in four separate regions (Scotland and the North; the Midlands, Wales and East Anglia; Ireland (North and South) and the South of England) as well as a special award to the overall Best Toy Shop. The judging will be led by the BTHA Council.

The supplier awards will continue to be judged by the Toy Retailers Association (TRA). Golden Teddy awards will also be presented on the night.

To purchase tickets for the Toy of the Year Awards dinner, please contact Matt Jones at BTHA – 020 7701 7127.

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