Indoor bouncy city to make UK debut
INFLATABLE ATTRACTION TO PROVIDE FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY, WRITES BARBARA HODGSON
A HUGE inflatable ‘city’ will be sending families into a bouncing frenzy when it has its UK launch in Newcastle on the next May Bank Holiday.
The new attraction, being billed as Britain’s biggest collection of indoor inflatables and challenges, will open here on May 28 before similar set-ups are rolled out across the country.
Inflatable Planet is made up of 16 whopping inflatables – which apparently contain enough air to fill more than 70 million footballs – and they include the likes of a bungee run, climbing tower and a disco dome which can be enjoyed by all ages. And, yes, that means adults too.
The bouncy sections will be hosted inside the sports hall of Walker Activity Dome in Newcastle, where pretty much every inch of space will be taken up.
The inflatables, which also include a “sticky” wall and a gladiator joust, as well as giant ball games, will be open from May 28 and then at weekends and during school holidays.
Separate evening sessions will be held for teenagers and adults.
The attraction is created by the team behind Gung-Ho!, the world’s biggest inflatable 5k run, which has been hosted at Newcastle Racecourse where it proved a hit with families.
Organisers are hoping for similar success when Inflatable Planet opens on May 28.
TV presenter and team member Alex Winters said: “We have absolutely loved bringing huge inflatables to people all around the country, including the North East with Gung-Ho!, but wanted to provide a more permanent option for families.
“We have spent a full year imagining, designing and producing Inflatable Planet, and we are beyond thrilled that Newcastle is our premier location: the first in the UK.
“Geordies have proved they know how to have fun so Newcastle is the ideal spot for us to launch!”
As well as promising an “amazing experience” for young people, he said it also gives adults “the chance to roll back the years and feel like kids again!”
The idea is that families can take on their friends in bouncy challenges.
There will be discounts for toddlers; free adult entry for those bringing their children and sessions specifically for older people.
And every Friday the Walker Dome will be putting on a “community hour” with a reduced entry fee after school.
One local mother, Lyn Brown from Fenham, has had a chance to try out the new attraction during one of three taster sessions. She said during it : “With three children to entertain, and hundreds of birthday parties I’ve been to, I think I’ve seen just about every activity and party going. This beats them all.”
Tickets cost £8 for an hour’s fun and £5 each hour under-fives.
For tickets, see InflatablePlanet.co.uk