With over 17 years of calling experience, Kelly Horton claims the title of Mecca Bingo’s Caller of the Year for 2024, setting her sights on the National Bingo Game Caller of the Year competition.
Kelly Horton, a seasoned bingo caller from Mecca Bingo’s Brierley Hill location in Dudley, has been named the 2024 Caller of the Year, beating stiff competition across the UK. Horton’s unique blend of engaging bingo calling and her surprising skill in line dancing gave her the edge over other participants, securing her a place in the final rounds of the competition held at Mecca Bingo Wednesbury. This marks an exciting time for both Horton and the bingo industry as the race now shifts towards the highly anticipated National Bingo Game Caller of the Year competition in November.
A Career Built on Passion: Kelly Horton’s Journey to Victory
For Kelly Horton, the recognition as the Caller of the Year is more than just an accolade; it’s a testament to her dedication to the role she has cherished for nearly two decades. At 46, Horton has been with Mecca Bingo for 17 years, serving as one of the faces of entertainment at their Brierley Hill venue. Her love for the job and the patrons is evident in her work, as she engages with audiences day after day, making each bingo session memorable.
In reflecting on her career, Horton said:
“I’ve worked at Mecca Bingo for a really long time (17 years), so it differs every day! I love the spread of different people I get to meet and chat to every day. But, above all, it’s such a great feeling when you call out winning numbers for big wins – especially when it helps them pay for big life events like a hen party or moving house.”
This personal connection with players and her ability to make each game feel special is likely what set her apart from the competition. The win doesn’t only reflect her prowess with numbers; it highlights her knack for creating an engaging atmosphere—a key part of the bingo caller’s responsibility.
A Rigorous Road to the Top: Mecca Bingo’s Caller of the Year Competition
The competition for Mecca Bingo’s Caller of the Year is a multi-stage affair, designed to test not only the technical skills of its callers but also their personality, charisma, and ability to engage with an audience. Participants from across Mecca Bingo’s network first competed in regional heats, where only the best were selected to move on to the finals. Six finalists emerged from this pool, each bringing their unique style and flair to the competition.
Looking Ahead: National Bingo Game Caller of the Year Competition
With her win in the Mecca Bingo Caller of the Year competition, Horton is now preparing to take her talents to the national stage. She will represent Mecca Bingo at the UK’s National Bingo Game Caller of the Year competition, which will bring together the best bingo callers from various operators, independents, and holiday parks. The event is set to take place in Wakefield in November, where Horton will face stiff competition in front of both a panel of judges and an eager crowd of bingo fans.
For Horton, the chance to represent Mecca Bingo at a national level is both an honor and a thrilling opportunity. “Having competed at Wednesbury against some of the best of the best, it’s a real honor to be heading to Wakefield to represent Mecca in the industry’s National Bingo Game Caller of the Year competition. I hope I’ve done Brierley Hill proud and can’t wait to celebrate with our customers,” she shared.
Winning at the national level would not only be a personal achievement for Horton but also a significant win for Mecca Bingo, demonstrating their commitment to fostering top-tier talent in the bingo industry.
Industry Leadership and Commentary from Mecca Bingo
Andy Crump, Managing Director of Mecca Bingo, spoke proudly of Kelly’s win, emphasizing the crucial role bingo callers play in creating memorable customer experiences. “Our bingo callers have a hugely important role to play in delivering brilliant entertainment experiences for our customers. They create the atmosphere for every game, make sure that every customer is engaged, announce all our lucky winners, and most definitely help to create exciting memories for all our players.”
Crump further elaborated on the qualities the judges sought in the competition: “In addition to clear voices and top calling skills, the judging panel was looking for big personality and talent for our Bingo Caller of the Year. We found that in Kelly, and we’ll be backing her all the way when she represents Mecca at the National Bingo Game Caller of the Year competition in November.”
The combination of stage presence, engagement, and an undeniable connection with the audience clearly made Horton the standout competitor, but Crump’s comments also highlight the broader strategy at Mecca Bingo—one that places entertainment and customer satisfaction at the forefront of their operations.
Competitive Landscape: Dabbers Bingo’s Comedy Contest and Mecca’s Slots Tournament
Horton’s victory isn’t the only event shaking up the UK’s bingo scene in 2024. Earlier in July, London-based Dabbers Bingo hosted its annual Bingo Comedy Caller Contest, offering a £1,000 ($1,280) prize along with a year-long contract with Dabbers Social Bingo. This unique competition pitted comedians against each other in a contest of wit, humor, and bingo calling skills, reflecting an industry-wide push to blend traditional bingo with modern entertainment trends.
Additionally, Mecca Bingo held its own high-stakes competition in May with its first-ever cross-channel slots tournament in Luton, Bedfordshire. Players from both online and retail venues competed for a grand prize of £10,000, adding further excitement to Mecca’s already bustling gaming calendar.
Mecca Bingo’s Expansion: New Gaming Machine Partnership
Beyond the competitive sphere, Mecca Bingo has also been expanding its entertainment offerings. The operator recently announced a five-year, $12.7m partnership with Inspired, a leading gaming machine supplier. This deal will see Mecca Bingo locations across the UK receive 170 new gaming machines, complete with a comprehensive servicing package from the supplier.
This move reflects Mecca’s commitment to staying at the forefront of bingo entertainment, enhancing the player experience both on and off the gaming floor.
Kelly Horton’s win as Mecca Bingo’s Caller of the Year is just the beginning of what looks to be an exciting journey for the veteran caller. As she prepares to compete on the national stage, her story serves as a reminder of the passion and energy that go into creating unforgettable bingo experiences.
With Mecca Bingo backing her and the industry continuing to innovate and evolve, all eyes will be on Horton as she takes the next step in her calling career, aiming to bring home the national title for Brierley Hill and Mecca Bingo.