skills + big dreams + dedication
= fuel for the future

The UK Space industry is growing, but the talent pipeline isn't keeping pace. We must act now to make a change. Join the Hazels to bring glamour and aspiration to space skills.

WHEN - WEDNESDAY 24TH JUNE 2026

WHERE - CHELTENHAM TOWN HALL

Celebrating the full skills ecosystem, powering the UK’s future economy

The Hazels - inspiring new dreams and possibilities

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Image copyright @ Helen Sharman 1991

HELEN SHARMAN CMG OBE

The First British Astronaut

We are delighted that Helen Sharman, the first British astronaut, has accepted our invitation to attend The Hazels Awards on 24 June 2026 at Cheltenham Town Hall.

Helen didn’t think she would be selected from the 13,000 applicants but she was exactly the right choice - calm, practical, friendly, professional, a team player. She flew into space in May 1991, aged 27, when she spent 8 days orbiting the Earth, living and working on board the Mir Space Station.

Her tasks included medical, agricultural and chemical experiments, materials testing, and Earth observation work.

Helen is now a leading inspirational speaker and science communicator, sharing her insights with audiences of all ages, bringing her material up to date for today and looking forward to the future of space exploration.

Written exclusively for The Hazels by Diana Boulter, Helen Sharman’s manager.

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The Hazels — The UK Space Skills Awards celebrates the diversity of skills, roles, people, and practices within the UK space industry.

The UK Space Industry needs you

The UK Space sector is growing, but the talent pipeline isn’t keeping pace. We must act now.

With fierce competition for talent from global employers and other high-tech industries, how do we attract skilled people and shift perceptions about careers in space?

It starts with celebration

The Hazels is a bold new event, spotlighting the people, roles, skills, and innovation driving the UK space industry. From STEM to creative disciplines, The Hazels recognises unsung heroes through our unique CREATES© framework, showcasing what’s possible when talent meets opportunity.

Join us in Cheltenham Town Hall on 24th June 2026 for an unforgettable evening of recognition, celebration, and performance, from world class entertainment.

But we cannot do it without you

We are building this with the industry, for the industry. Become a sponsor or partner. Let us shape the future of UK Space together.

Get involved

The Hazels inspiring new dreams and possibilities.

The Hazels — The UK Space Skills Awards