What have Wallace and Gromit, Bill Oddie, Lady Cobham and a Yeoman Warder from the Tower of London all got in common?
No idea?
Well, apparently they’ve all been enlisted to help select the winners of VisitEngland’s ‘101 Things to do before you go abroad’ campaign.
The tourist office launched a campaign to find the best 101 things to do in England and has been overwhelmed by the response.
"With so many incredible and unique experiences in England, it was always going to be a challenge to choose a mere 101, so we’re thrilled to be working with such a knowledgeable panel," said VisitEngland chairman Lady Cobham.
"Between us, we will be able to choose the ultimate list of must-dos and must-sees which will inspire the nation to get out and explore this wonderful country of ours."
Judging will take place on 1 March and until then suggestions are still welcome.
Visit www.101thingstodoinengland.co.uk or see VisitEngland on Facebook for details. All entrants will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win a weekend break.
An excerpt of the shortlist will be announced during English Tourism Week (16-24 March) and list will be revealed in full on St George’s Day (23 April).
The full list of judges, chosen for their particular expertise, is as follows:
* Wildlife & Nature – Bill Oddie: Actor, bird-watcher and former presenter of BBC’s Springwatch and Autumnwatch
* Health & Fitness – Sonali Shah: Host of World Triathlon series, Crufts reporter and part of the presentation team for the London 2012 Olympics, Sonali has also reported on Wimbledon, the Boat Race, the London Marathon, the Epsom Derby and the 2011 Cricket World Cup
* Arts & Culture – Clemency Burton-Hill: Regular face on BBC2’s Culture Show and The BBC Proms and a professional novelist, violinist and actress
* Food & Drink – Skye Gyngell: Michelin-starred chef, formerly of the Petersham Nurseries in Richmond and now culinary director at the soon-to-open country house hotel, Heckfield Place
* History & Heritage – Barney Chandler: a Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London and guardian of the country’s culture and traditions
* Because it’s awesome – Wallace & Gromit: last but no means least, national treasures and the world’s favourite inventors, Wallace & Gromit will be selecting one overall winner from the "Because it’s awesome category". Their qualification? Their general all-round awesomeness, of course!
The panel will be completed by Rough Guide publishing director Clare Currie, to ensure the shortlist is a mix of the best and most quintessentially English experiences.
