Selfie conscious
SNAP-HAPPY revellers can celebrate the latest easing of lockdown restrictions with a city centre selfie extravaganza.
A pair of events entrepreneurs have set up Selfie Central, which opens today, in The Gate and allows cameracrazy individuals with the chance to book a unique photo session.
Instagram aficionados will get the opportunity to use its photo booths for all manner of crazy capers.
The array of quirky backdrops includes a ‘disco glitter ball fantasy,’ a ‘duck bathroom’ or a ‘cow kitchen,’ all designed to capture the imagination and make for some unforgettable moments.
Geordie Shore star Sophie Kasaei is already said to have given the unusual sets a whirl.
Danae Abadom and Kerry Fairlie, who run an events business, are the founders of Selfie Central, which they set up after being inspired by immersive selfie museums in Los Angeles where visitors create stand-out photographs using stunning stage-sets.
And the result is what they claim is one of the UK’s only selfie shops and “the ultimate photo studio” which comes with 11 stage sets so that customers can pick and click as they strike a pose.
The make-believe settings are set to appeal to those looking for an escape from the past grim months of the pandemic.
Danae said that their business, Independent Events, which creates engaging experiences in shopping centres across the UK, was itself hard hit by the past year of restrictions. But they had the idea of using the sets they had in storage to create their new venture.
“The past year has been so tough,” she said. “Despite the odds stacked against us, we were determined to turn this challenge into an opportunity.
“As the UK eases out of lockdown we want to help shopping centres and entertainment venues to create new experiences, by utilising vacant premises to tempt people back.
“We want to give people a fun, interactive and sociable experience they simply can’t get online.”
She added: “We’re one of the UK’s only selfie shops and we’ve had so much fun designing 11 clickable stage sets.
“We’re delighted to have already previewed the space to former Geordie Shore star Sophie Kasaei and influencer Grace Gonsalez has also been down to strike a pose.”
Tickets for Selfie Central are now on sale and groups of up to six can book in for an hour of fun, filling up their camera rolls with images and videos which will be perfect for Instagram and TikTok.
They are also set to capture special memories, especially as everyone’s social life begins to pick back up and friends can look forward to hanging out together again as the city follows the road map out of lockdown.
Danae added: “We can’t wait to welcome our first visitors to Selfie Central, whether they’re on a shopping trip or looking for something new and fun to do with their friends.
“Using Newcastle as a test bed, we hope to roll Selfie Central out in shopping centres across the UK in the months to come.”
Selfie Central promises a Covid-safe environment with each selfie station and touch point thoroughly cleaned between uses. Slots have to be prebooked online.