Families are invited to enjoy a week of free, imagination-fuelled fun at the Bridges shopping centre in Sunderland this February half term, combining cutting-edge virtual reality experiences with Matilda-inspired creative activities from 21-27 February.
Kicking off the week, the centre will host a series of immersive VR experiences in partnership with Culture House Sunderland on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 February, between 10am and 2pm.
Visitors can step inside a range of extraordinary worlds, from grand adventures with Wallace & Gromit and the sounds of the Philharmonic Virtual Orchestra to powerful Northern landscapes, journeys through space, wartime history and an interactive exploration of nature with Sir David Attenborough at the Natural History Museum.
To celebrate Matilda the Musical at the Sunderland Empire, the Mischief Makers Club will take over Central Square outside New Look with a series of free events, bringing together creative fun, stories, magic and top-of-the-class fun, all while supporting the National Year of Reading.
On Monday 23 February youngsters can dive into chocolate crafts, brilliant bookmark making and open their imaginations by creating their own book covers. Sessions will run at 11.30am and 1.30pm.
Children can expect mystical fun by testing their magical powers, witnessing wizarding wonders and enjoying paper plane fun, with sessions at 11.30am and 1.30pm on Wednesday 25 February.
The fun wraps up with a talent show and an opportunity for youngsters to learn dance routines, sing songs, play games and win bookworm prizes at 11.30am and 1.30pm on Friday 27 February.
On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, between 11am-3pm, families can also drop in for puzzles, quizzes, colouring and a children’s Book Swap throughout the day.
Karen Eve, Centre Director at The Bridges said: “We understand half term can be challenging for family budgets. That’s why we’ve created a programme of free activities that combines the magic of theatre with exciting virtual reality experiences, alongside the importance of literacy. It’s a fantastic opportunity to support the National Year of Reading and encourage Sunderland’s young people to discover the power of a great book.”
All activities are free. Families are invited to turn up and join in the fun. Full event information can be found at: https://www.thebridges-shopping.com/.