Castle Quarter in Norwich is set to transform into the wizardry world of Harry Potter this Saturday, when it hosts Hogwarts Halloween. Given the pressures families are currently under, General Manager Rob Bradley explains why it’s important to bring people together and stage free, family-friendly events every school holiday
We have always been a space where people come together, meet, relax, and enjoy their leisure time. Now, we have lots of new reasons to visit and be entertained, with so many family-entertainment experiences all under our roof including Escape Hunt, Putt Putt Noodle crazy golf, Vue Cinema, Superbowl, Retro Replay and lots more. But we entirely appreciate the pressures families are currently under. And that is why every school holiday, our team plan seasonal activities that appeal to both young and old and give people extra reasons to visit Castle Quarter and find other ways to enjoy their time together, without spending extra.
We’re always grateful to our visitors for choosing to come to Castle Quarter, and in return, we want to give people add-on experiences and activities, something a little bit different, and events that are accessible to all.
After missing out on so much time together during Covid, people are looking for ways to be entertained as a whole family. And over the last 12 months, we’ve noticed that our retro and nostalgia days have been the biggest hits with parents, aunties and uncles enjoying them every bit (perhaps more!) as the children. These events bring a smile to everyone’s faces, as people pose for photos and reminisce about favourite childhood films and characters.
We’ve had Slimer in from Ghostbusters, Buzz Lightyear, cars from Back to the Future and Herbie, and E.T. memorabilia too, which families and super fans of all generations have gone crazy for.
Putting a smile on visitors’ faces and seeing families snapping selfies together, talking about films and characters they loved when they were little, creates a lot of joy, and its lovely to see those moments happening again. This is our favourite part of putting on events, the smiles on everyone’s faces! The feedback is always positive, and people are surprised that the events are free – not much is free these days.
At times, we have partnered up with charities, and visitors can choose to donate what they can. Our dinosaur events over the summer holidays, for example, were in partnership with One Great Day and raised £1000, split between Break and Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Next up, it’s our Harry Potter Halloween day on Saturday October 29, which we’re really excited about. Perhaps the most loved family film franchise of all time, Potter fans of all ages can enrol in Hogwarts, make a wand, and try on the Sorting Hat too. It’s set to be a magical day at the end of October half-term and we’re looking forward to welcoming lots of wannabee wizards.
Not long after, of course, thoughts will turn to Christmas. We can’t reveal all yet, but, safe to-say we have been busy making festive plans, and another free family event will be announced soon. Let’s just say anyone with a sweet tooth will want to get stuck into this one!
Halloween Hogwarts at Castle Quarter takes place on Saturday October 29, between 12-4pm – free to attend. Floor one of Castle Quarter will transform into the school of Hogwarts, where families, wannabee wizards and muggles can join in with a whole host of spellbinding activities. Visit Castle Quarter Norwich or Facebook to keep up to date with what’s happening and when.
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