Brickset news archive: Events (UK)
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LEGO train display in the UK next weekend
Posted by Huw, 17 May 2013 04:05. Filed under Events (UK).
The Southern LEGO Train Club is putting on a display at the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, near Aylesbury, on the bank holiday weekend, Sunday 26 - Monday 27th May.There'll be LEGO train layouts and model displays, a shop selling LEGO sets, parts, minifigs and collectables, brick engraving and a build area. The display will be located in the Rewley Road station building.
It is part of the Centre's bank holiday weekend events which also includes real full-size steam engines running, Paddington Bear (Sunday only), a bus rally (Monday only) and the miniature railway, plus the museum.
3 comments, latest one posted 33 minutes ago.951 views
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AFOL get-together in t'north of England
Posted by Huw, 11 Jan 2013 03:37. Filed under Events (UK).
Robert Clarkson is organising an event near Manchester in February:
"A date for your diaries ... Sunday 3rd February, 10 am to 4 pm at St Philips Community Centre, Higher Dean Street, Radcliffe, M26 3TE.
"This is a meeting for AFOL's across the North of England. I welcome you to come along, bring a MOC (which would be very nice to see) and say hello to some fellow brick fanatics from across the North of England.
"Just to clarify, this is an AFOL only event, free of charge but no members of the public expected.
"Refreshments and welfare will be catered for and there will be a raffle to help raise a bit of cash to pay for the hire of the room. If you can bring along a little something for the raffle, that would be just perfect."If you have any questions about the event, you can contact Robert via his profile.
3 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1067 views
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GWLS live video stream
Posted by Huw, 07 Oct 2012 06:22. Filed under Events (UK).
It's now the second day of GWLS and the halls are heaving again. It's been great to see so many Bricksetters here this year. The badges have worked well!
If you can't make it here you can get a idea of what's going on via the live video stream.
0 comments (Commenting has ended on this article)1118 views
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GWLS: 3 days to go
Posted by Huw, 03 Oct 2012 08:00. Filed under Events (UK).
The biggest LEGO show in the UK calendar is now just 3 days away. Virtually the whole of the UK AFOL community will descend on Swindon this weekend for what promises to be the best GWLS yet.
I hope you've enjoyed reading the official blog that I've been contributing to over the last month or so. I've been writing about some of the people, models and vendors that will be there, and yesterday we published the list of the presentations that'll be taking place on both days. They are always very entertaining and worth taking 15 minutes out to go and watch. They also provide a welcome opportunity to sit down for a while!
As you know, we are providing badges for Brickset users so that we can identify each other. If you put your name on the list last week, we'll have a printed badge for you that can be collected from the admin. desk just inside the entrance of the large exhibition hall. If you didn't put your name on the list, don't worry, we'll also have some blanks that you can write your name on.
I've just put the finishing touches on my section of railway for the GWLTC train layout and I'm now about all ready to go. I hope to see loads of you there!
Update: the floor plan has been published: the GWLTC layout will be right next to the admin desk, so it'll be even easier for you to find me, if you want to that is!
1 comment, latest one posted 7 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1534 views
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The Great Western LEGO Show: 4 weeks to go!
Posted by Huw, 08 Sep 2012 05:17. Filed under Events (UK).
The UK's longest running and arguably best LEGO fan event is now just 4 weeks away. It's being held at STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway in Swindon on 6th - 7th October 2012.
I've been appointed official blogger and in the run up to the show I'll be posting articles about the models, people and vendors that'll be at the show on the official GWLS website.
Virtually all of the UK based Brickset staff will be in attendance including me, bluemoose, DrDaveWatford, atkinsar, LostInTranslation and of course Martin, who's the show organiser.
If you're planning to attend and want to meet up with us and other Brickset members, I have some great news. To make it much easier this year, we will be handing out special Brickset name badges at the event that you can wear round your neck and thus identify other Brickset members who are doing the same. I'll provide more information about this nearer the time.
In the meantime, check out the official GWLS website and while you're doing that I had better get on and actually build something to take. I'll be contributing to the large train layout again.
16 comments, latest one posted 8 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)3381 views
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The LEGO Show: what to see (#legoshow)
Posted by Huw, 05 May 2012 07:11. Filed under Events (UK).
The focus of The LEGO Show is of course all the amazing MOCs that people have come from all over Europe to display, but I thought it worth listing the highlights of the show from the LEGO collectors' point of view, for the benefit of those still to arrive, or those that haven't yet decided whether to come or not!
- The large Sopwith Camel is on display, along with a 'timeline' of LEGO aircraft from years past.
- The Lord Of The Rings sets are making their public debut at the event.
- Adam Vaughan, designer of many of the Friends sets, has brought the sets that will be out in a few month's time.
- Mark Stafford is displaying the forthcoming Ninjago sets that he designed, along with several prototypes, which are always interesting to see, to better understand the design process.
- Along with the official LEGO shop that's been set up by the Liverpool store, there are around eight other sellers in the hall, selling everything from loose parts to MISB Market Streets (for £500). There's something for every budget!
There is plenty to see and do and, due to the cavernous size of the hall, it's not too crowded. If you can possibly get here today, tomorrow or Monday, I strongly encourage you to do so. It certainly is the 'biggest and best' LEGO show the UK has ever seen.
27 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)890 views
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AFOLCON show report
Posted by Huw, 03 May 2012 03:33. Filed under Events (UK).
AFOLCON kicks off in half-hour or so!
I've created a discussion in the forum that I'll try and keep updated during the day so those of you that are not attending can find out what's happening.
If you're on your way there, I'll see you soon!
3 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)779 views
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AFOLCON is almost here!
Posted by Huw, 01 May 2012 14:56. Filed under Events (UK).
Just one day to go until the start of what promises to be the biggest and best LEGO event the UK has ever seen!Are you going? If so, let me know in the comments. Will you be there Wednesday evening? I'm travelling up by train tomorrow and will get there late afternoon. If you're going to be in Manchester too then drop me a line and maybe we can meet someplace. I'm staying at the Copthorne Hotel, Salford Quays and will be at AFOLCON Thursday and Friday, and the Saturday morning of The LEGO Show.
The first 50 people that come and say hi to me during the events will be given a 1x8 brick printed with the Brickset logo!
36 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)808 views
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LEGO Batman II to be revealed at The LEGO Show
Posted by Huw, 27 Apr 2012 16:59. Filed under Events (UK).
The LEGO Show team has announced that on Monday 7th May, Jonathan Smith from TT Games will be giving us a special exclusive!
TT Games are the company behind the great LEGO videogames - starting with LEGO Star Wars and now including Indiana Jones, Rock Band, Ninjago, Pirates of the Caribean and Harry Potter. On Monday, Jonathan will be giving an exclusive demo of their latest title - LEGO Batman II.
For the first time - in the world - LEGO Batman II will be on public display showing real playable action and even talking minifigures!
Jonathan will be demoing LEGO Batman II and answering your questions at 2pm on Monday 7th May at The LEGO Show. To check out all the exciting things planned for the weekend, make sure to look at www.thelegoshow.com, or follow us at Facebook.com/legoshow or twitter.com/legoshow. Tickets are available from only £7.00 on-line, where you can save 25% and beat the queues!
11 comments, latest one posted 13 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)850 views
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AFOLCON announces the Thursday Keynote - Mads Nipper
Posted by Huw, 23 Apr 2012 07:53. Filed under Events (UK).
The AFOLCON organisers are pleased to announce the second Keynote session on the first conference day, Thursday, will be Mads Nipper, the Executive Vice President, Markets and Products, and member of corporate management of LEGO Group.Mads Nipper started in the LEGO Group in 1991 as media consultant. During his career within the company, he has primarily worked within the marketing and product development area. During the years 2001 – 2004 Mads Nipper was the managing director for LEGO Central Europe responsible for marketing and sales in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
In 2004 he became overall leader of the product development and marketing area within the LEGO Company.
Mads Nipper was in 2006 appointed Executive Vice President for Markets & Products, and is thus globally responsible for product development, marketing and sales to retailers. At the same time, he joined the Corporate Management, LEGO Group.We're excited to welcome Mads to the AFOLCON speaker team. His experience with the LEGO Group will bring a unique insight to the convention.
Tickets for AFOLCON are now sold out. However, tickets to The LEGO Show are still available. The LEGO Show is open to the public on the 5th, 6th and 7th May. Tickets cost just £29 for a family of four when booked online, saving you 20% and any queues! For more details, go to www.thelegoshow.com.
0 comments (Commenting has ended on this article)848 views
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Lord of the Rings to be unveiled at The LEGO Show
Posted by Huw, 18 Apr 2012 17:48. Filed under Events (UK).
More news hot off the presses today:The LEGO Show is pleased to announce a world exclusive. The new LEGO Lord of the Rings will have their public premier at this year's LEGO Show.
Initially shown at this year's Toy Fair in London, The LEGO Show is proud to announce the first public showing of the entire 2012 range of LEGO Lord of The Rings sets. All 7 sets from the new range will be on display, which will not be available to buy in the shops until later this year.
These new sets have been eagerly awaited by LEGO fans, not just because of the iconic nature of the sets. A number of new pieces are being made available in these sets for the first time, including a new horse and of course, LEGO minifigures representing all the key characters from the book and movies.
The LEGO Show is the largest LEGO event in the UK. Throughout the show visitors will be able take part in a series of special building workshops, or try the massive play area to build their own creations, and have the chance to meet real LEGO Designers & see what they like to build when they're not at work! The LEGO Show is the only show in the country to feature LEGO designers direct from Denmark and LEGO certified professionals.
There is also a LEGO cinema, a LEGO museum and amazing creations built by Adult Fans of LEGO from all over Europe -- there is a lot to see and do! Visitors to the show will also get the chance to be part of a world record as the show attempts to break the record for the largest ever built LEGO mosaic.
The LEGO Show is open to the public on the 5th, 6th and 7th May. Tickets cost just £29 for a family of four when booked online, saving you 20% and any queues! For more details, go to www.thelegoshow.com.
7 comments, latest one posted 13 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)810 views
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AFOLCON/LEGO Show news
Posted by Huw, 10 Apr 2012 08:41. Filed under Events (UK).
Hot off the press from the AFOLCON orgainsers...
With only 4 weeks to go, the news from AFOLCON and The LEGO Show is starting to come thick and fast!
Announced over the weekend are some special events for The LEGO Show - the largest LEGO event in the UK! On Saturday, Sunday and Monday, the team have announced some special talks available to anyone who is at the show.
On Saturday 5th, Adam Vaughan will be giving a talk to the public about LEGO Friends and the design process that they've been through - for the last 4 years. On Sunday 6th, Mark Stafford will be answering the most popular question he gets - "How do you become a LEGO designer?" and on Monday, well, there is going to be a session on Monday at 2pm - but that one's still under wraps! It's very, very, exciting!
The LEGO Show team also announced some special sessions for those adult fans attending over the weekend. 2 special AFOLCON sessions will be given on Saturday and Sunday evenings, at 5:30pm. If you can't attend the AFOLCON days, this will give any AFOL the chance to hang out with other attendees, meet all the LEGO employees that are at the show and listen to some special announcements. The first of these to be announced is that on Saturday evening, Signe Lonholdt will be giving us the inside info on 'ReBrick: behind the scenes'.
So, what are you waiting for? Tickets are selling fast, so to guarantee entrance to The LEGO Show, go to www.thelegoshow.com to buy your tickets in advance. You'll save 25%, skip all the queues and guarantee your entrance to the largest LEGO event in the UK!
6 comments, latest one posted 13 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)766 views
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AFOLCON keynote speaker announced
Posted by Huw, 03 Apr 2012 06:30. Filed under Events (UK).
Tormod has been with the LEGO Group since 1983. Starting off as a Marketing Trainee he worked in 7 different departments during the first two years. This helped him establish a good network to colleagues across the business. In 1986, he moved to LEGO Education and spent almost 10 years in various marketing positions. He started a “home learning” project in 1996 which led to the launch of LEGO Mindstorms. He then established a new department called “Community and Learning” in 1999 and has been working with LEGO user communities ever since.
The AFOLCON team is delighted to welcome Tormod to AFOLCON. For those of you who have been in the LEGO community for any time, you will know that Tormod has been central to the involvement of the fan community with The LEGO Group which has been no small feat!
AFOLCON runs on the 3rd and 4th May 2012 and is open to anyone over the age of 16 (16-18yr olds must be accompanied). Tickets cost £60 and include all session, an out-of-hours visit to the LEGOLand Discovery Centre and a goodie bag which includes 1Kg of LEGO. For more details, go to http://www.afolcon.com
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If you're quick, the exclusive Brickset discount code BRICKSET20 can still be applied at checkout for a 20% discount. I *will* be there this year, my train and hotel are already booked, so I hope to see you there!
2 comments, latest one posted 13 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)747 views
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Press release: LEGO Show announces world record attempt
Posted by Huw, 21 Mar 2012 13:19. Filed under Events (UK).
The LEGO® Show will be attempting to break the world record for the largest ever built LEGO mosaic when it comes to Manchester in May, and will be enlisting the aid of visitors to the show to help build it.The LEGO® Show, the largest in the UK, is aiming to make a 143m2 image containing approximately 550,000 LEGO® bricks when it comes to EventCity, Manchester on 5th to 7th May 2012. To complete the mosaic, the show organisers will need at least 2,000 members of the public to help by building a mosaic square, giving visitors the unique chance to be part of an official world record.
The record, officially entitled ‘the largest image built with interlocking plastic bricks’, currently stands at 112m2, and was made by DK Publishing House (UK) in London, UK in 2010.
Warren Elsmore, show director, said: “We are really excited about this world record attempt, and it will be fantastic to get the general public involved. We’ve only got three days to complete a mosaic of over half a million bricks, so we really need the help!”
In keeping with the sporting fever that is gripping the UK during 2012, the mosaic’s image will showcase sports related LEGO® minifigures from some of LEGO®’s series of collectable minifigures.
Warren added: “It’s a big year for sport, so it seemed fitting to incorporate it into the mosaic.”
The LEGO® Show, Manchester, is the only show in the country to feature LEGO® designers direct from Denmark and Bright Bricks, the UK’s first and only LEGO® certified professionals.
Already confirmed for this year’s show are a special display from the Discovery Centre, specialist building workshops, LEGO® Brand store, LEGO® brick marketplace, a special 2012 celebratory build, LEGO® cinema, play areas and of course a spectacular fan display.
The LEGO® Show 2012 takes place at EventCity from 5 – 7 May. Tickets are now on sale and a family can save £10 by buying their ticket in advance.
Find LEGO Show on Facebook or follow @LEGOShow on Twitter to keep up to date with the latest show news.
Further information and advance tickets are available from http://www.thelegoshow.com.
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I'm guessing that the mosiac will be the picture above, which was included with the press release. It certainly fits the description. Brickset's very own Martin creates the instructions for these massive mosaics so no doubt he will be able to confirm!
14 comments, latest one posted 14 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)872 views
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Last chance to win tickets to LEGOLAND Star Wars preview
Posted by Huw, 16 Feb 2012 13:46. Filed under Events (UK).
Here's your last chance to see the Star Wars Miniland Experience at LEGOLAND Windsor before anyone else!We have teamed up with LEGOLAND Windsor Resort to bring you an opportunity to win one of two pairs of tickets to the pre-season preview event on 10th March.
All you have to do is answer one simple question on the competition entry form before midnight on 26th February (today!).
The competition is open to residents of the UK only, who are able to make their own way to the park on the day. See the terms and conditions on the entry form for more information.
Myself and bluemoose will be there, taking photos for Brickset. The winners will be welcome to meet up with us if they'd like to!
3 comments, latest one posted 15 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)688 views
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And the winners are...
Posted by Huw, 16 Feb 2012 13:46. Filed under Events (UK).
Thank you all for entering the competition! There were 397 unique entries of which 342 got the answer correct. There are 1.5 million LEGO bricks in the new Star Wars Miniland experience at LEGOLAND Windsor which could be found out at http://www.legoland.co.uk/Explore/Whats-new/In time-honoured fashion I asked my daughter to pick 2 numbers at random between 1 and 342 and she said 189 and 57. So, the winners are....
Jason Parnaby and Chris Button!
Congratulations guys, get in touch this week at huw@brickset.com with your snail-mail address and I'll get the tickets sent to you.
11 comments, latest one posted 14 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)666 views
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AFOLCON and The LEGO Show news
Posted by Huw, 07 Dec 2011 17:41. Filed under Events (UK).
Hot off the press from The LEGO Show and AFOLCON organisers - and this time it's for both AFOLs and the public!"The team at AFOLCON and The LEGO Show have been working with the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre in Manchester to produce some very special deals.
"For AFOLCON delegates, we'll again be going back to the LDC after hours! On Friday night, once the public have left, the Discovery Centre will be open exclusively to AFOLCON attendees. We'll be able to look at miniland, ride the laser ride and the Merlins' apprentice ride, see the 4D cinema and even try out their brand new attractions for 2012. Assuming we can fit in it of course!
"Not only will AFOLCON delegates get FREE entrance to the Discovery Centre, but their shop will be stacked full of exclusives and there's a special 5% discount for AFOLCON attendees on production of a VIP card. And if all that wasn't enough, we're announcing the first speaker too. Alex Bidolak, the LEGOLAND Master Model Builder is the first of a great selection of speakers to be announced. He'll be giving a presentation explaining not only what a Master Model Builder does, but how he got the job and what's in store for him each day!
"To register for AFOLCON and get more information, visit www.afolcon.com.
"We're not forgetting LEGO Show visitors either! The LEGOLAND Discovery Centre team will be making a special appearance at the LEGO Show. They'll be special building workshops and the chance to build and display a MOC in their special 'Discovery Express' train. And there's something even more special. We've arranged a very special deal for anyone wanting to visit both The LEGO Show and LEGOLAND Discovery Centre on the same weekend. Present your LEGO Show tickets, or a special voucher that we'll provide, to gain entrance to the Discovery Centre for only £5 each - saving over 50%!
"So, be sure to register for The LEGO Show at www.thelegoshow.com, and save up to £10 by booking in advance or save even more if you want to make a weekend of it!"
AFOLCON is at the Manchester Discovery Centre, UK, 3-4th May 2012. The LEGO Show follows on the 5-7th May.
6 comments, latest one posted 17 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)714 views
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Great Western LEGO Show - Swindon, UK, 1st & 2nd October
Posted by bluemoose, 22 Sep 2011 08:04. Filed under Events (UK).
It's a busy time for LEGO fans over the next week or so; as well as BrickCon in the US, it's also time for this year's 'Great Western LEGO Show' at the STEAM railway museum in Swindon, UK. It runs over the weekend of the 1st & 2nd of October, and details of the venue and pricing are available here.
This is one of the premier events of the UK LEGO fan's calendar, and there will be many amazing models on show, along with by their equally amazing builders. Many of the UK members of staff here at Brickset will be in attendance, either exhibiting or helping out with running the event. If you do attend, make sure you swing by and say hello.
20 comments, latest one posted 20 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)658 views
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AFOLCON and The LEGO Show are back in 2012
Posted by Huw, 20 Sep 2011 11:33. Filed under Events (UK).
We’ve just had confirmation that AFOLCON and The LEGO Show are back for 2012. Once again they'll be held in Manchester, in the north of England, but this time at a different venue. The dates for your diary are 3rd - 7th May 2012.For those of you that haven’t heard about the show before, AFOLCON is a special adult only fan convention for AFOLs from all over the world. After private convention days on the 3rd and 4th, the show is opened to the public as The LEGO Show over the bank holiday weekend.
In 2011, AFOLCON had around 80 attendees from all over the UK, Europe and even as far away as Zimbabwe. There was a full day of conference sessions giving the inside track about the LEGO community.
The keynote session saw the launch of the LEGO Master Builder Academy, followed by sessions from LEGO and TT Games designers as well as a LEGO certified professional and LEGO Serious Play consultant.
Not only that, but every AFOLCON attendee also received a goodie bag worth over £50 each and were invited to visit the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre for a special after hours visit.
The LEGO Show attracted over 5250 members of the public and included both Bricklink stores and a LEGO Brand store, as well as a LEGO museum and theatre.
For 2012, the team have raised the bar...
- New Location: It's moving to a huge new location at the Trafford Center with over 6000 sq metres of exhibition space (and it’s right opposite the Discovery Centre!)
- Free Parking: Not only for AFOLS, but also the public. There are over 3000 free spaces.
- More sessions: AFOLCON will be split over two days this year, giving more time for talks, workshops and of course socialising.
- Open to everyone: The extra space available also means that now anyone can display at The LEGO Show - you don’t have to register for the full convention to join in the weekend fun (though of course you’ll miss out on all the sessions and other goodies!)
For more details on AFOLCON and how to get involved, check out http://www.afolcon.com now. Registration is open to attend the full conference or just display a MOC. Public ticket sales and information are also open right now at http://www.thelegoshow.com.
Once again, the organisers have offered Brickset visitors a 20% discount on the normal AFOLCON ticket price of £60. All you have to do is quote the code BRICKSET20 when you check out. This is a limited offer so order now to guarantee your discount!
Brickset is a Silver Sponsor of AFOLCON again and we'll be helping to promote and publicise it. Also, Warren, one of the organisers, will be keeping an eye out in the forum to answer any questions you may have about the events, so ask away in this Q&A discussion.
26 comments, latest one posted 20 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)852 views
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AFOLCON / The LEGO Show: this weekend!
Posted by Huw, 28 Apr 2011 10:00. Filed under Events (UK).
AFOLCON started today and The LEGO Show kicks off on Saturday. It's all happening in Manchester, UK, and if you're going, I know you're going to have a great time. Unfortunately due to family commitments I won't be there, which I am very disappointed about.I believe tickets for the public LEGO show on Saturday to Monday will be available on the door, so if you haven't already got them, don't worry, go along anyway, but I'd advise you to get there early (it opens at 10am) as it's bound to be popular.
Have fun, and when you've been let us know what you thought of it.
20 comments, latest one posted 24 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)622 views
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Pirates of the Carribean come to The LEGO Show!
Posted by Huw, 18 Apr 2011 11:46. Filed under Events (UK).
Here's the latest from the show organisers:"Ahoy there maties! The rumours be true... LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean arrrr coming to the LEGO Show!
"Cap'n Jack and his crew be sailing the Queen Anne's Revenge all the way to Manchester! Thar be gold in that ship and she'll be sailin' with each and every one of her maties in the newest LEGO range! - 'cept the Black Pearl of course... she be toyin' with Davy Jones' locker a while longer so we hear...
"What's more... thar be a treasure trove of LEGO goodness nearby too. Pr'haps thar be pirate treasure to trade for...? You'll want to be making sure you cross our palm with silver and get your tickets booked for the show.
"Set sail for Manchester!
"Oh and by the way, this is NOT the only surprise we have for AFOLCON attendees. Check the What's New page to find out more!"
13 comments, latest one posted 25 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)722 views
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AFOLCON: Less than 4 weeks to go!
Posted by Huw, 04 Apr 2011 13:31. Filed under Events (UK).
Here's an update from the AFOLCON show team:With less than 4 weeks to go now until AFOLCON and the LEGO Show, the organising team have been able to publish the full agenda for the weekend - and it's a full one!
AFOLCON starts on Thursday 28th April, with a full day to register, setup and meet your fellow AFOLs. You'll receive your delegate bag on registration with a full 1kg of loose bricks and a few other things too! We'll also be setting up some very special MOCs for the weekend and don't be surprised if you see the press hanging around either ;-)
On the Friday, we've a packed day, full of exclusive sessions from speakers from all parts of the LEGO community. At the end of Friday, our Bricklink sellers will be opening up their stores to give AFOLCON attendees the first chance at the shopping! There'll be some great bargains and special discounts for AFOLCON attendees too. Remember, if you place a Bricklink order with MinifigforLife, Bricktivity or The Vault, you'll also get FREE shipping to AFOLCON.
On Saturday 30th April, we open to the public as 'The LEGO Show'. But before that, the LEGO Brand store on site will also open its doors early to AFOLCON attendees. Not only that, but every attendee will be eligible for a 10% discount on anything* in the LEGO store! Then we open to the public for the rest of the day.
Sunday is going to be a long day! The LEGO Brand store will be open again for an early shopping hour, why? Well that day will be the 1st May.... At the end of the day though, don't run away - we'll be running the AFOLCON auction. We've amazing bargains, hard to find items, money-can't-buy collectibles and much more. Check out www.facebook.com/afolcon for more pictures!
We wrap up the show on Bank Holiday Monday after hopefully an amazing weekend.
The show team have been working flat out to arrange some really special things for our first ever show. You might have seen us in the LEGO Club magazine or in the local Manchester press. Keep an eye out in the press for something extra special the week before the show. We've just been to see it and it's ever better than we thought possible! AFOLCON has just registered it's 75th AFOL attendee and The LEGO Show tickets are selling out fast. There is still time to register for AFOLCON or buy tickets for the public show though - full details are at www.afolcon.com and www.thelegoshow.com, just don't leave it until the last minute!
*10% discount is restricted to 1 (one) of each large item subject to stock levels. Pre-ordering is not available. At LEGO store manager's discretion.
14 comments, latest one posted 25 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)713 views
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UK Westfield & Cardiff stores - Grand Opening Event details
Posted by bluemoose, 17 Jan 2011 15:47. Filed under Events (UK).
LEGO have finally released details of the Grand Opening Events for the two new UK stores, and as promised, here they are ...
Sat 19th Feb - Mon 21st Feb ::: 3 day Grand Opening event for the Cardiff store; " ... help to build the biggest LEGO dragon display inspired by the Welsh Dragon ... the first 300 customers on each of the 3 days will receive an exclusive LEGO gift with purchase & have a chance to win great prizes."
Fri 25th Feb - Sun 27th Feb ::: 3 day Grand Opening event for the London Westfield store; " ... the first 300 customers on each of the 3 days will receive an exclusive LEGO gift with purchase and all visitors can put their imagination to work by helping to build a giant LEGO landscape inspired by The Sights Of London. Plus you have the chance to win great prizes."
They are sure to be very popular events, and the "exclusive LEGO gift" for each store will be very sought-after collectables, so be sure to get there early!
14 comments, latest one posted 28 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)697 views
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AFOLCON update
Posted by Huw, 11 Jan 2011 13:35. Filed under Events (UK).
The organisers of AFOLCON have made two big announcements today:"First up is the full announcement of the public show over the long weekend. After the two private days of AFOLCON, we'll be opening up the display area to the public under the name of 'The LEGO SHOW'. As an AFOLCON attendee, you will of course have access to everything over all five days of both shows!
"The public show will be open to anyone to attend to view the MOCs created by the AFOLs at AFOLCON as well as some special LEGO models and an extra-special huge MOC being created just for the show! Tickets for the public show are available now from the website at www.thelegoshow.com so tell all your friends!
"The second announcement is confirmation of the first big thing in your AFOLCON goodie bag. The LEGO group have been very generous and are donating 1000g of mixed, loose bricks for every AFOLCON attendee. That's worth over £40 at LEGOLand Pick-a-Brick prices alone! But, it gets better. This is loose mixed brick from 2011 sets of ALL themes. We'll be honest - we don't know exactly what's in there. But we do know there are brick, plate, minifigs, technic parts, train parts, and even licensed parts (and some cool ones too!). We'll announce more details of what else is in the goodie bag soon, but for all the details - head on over to www.afolcon.com!"
This event is going to be massive, probably the biggest LEGO event that the UK has seen, so if you haven't done so already, get your tickets ordered now. As added incentives, myself and most of the UK-based Brickset team will be there and you'll be able to avoid all the nauseous royal wedding coverage in the media :-)
13 comments, latest one posted 28 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)665 views
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"Hay Carts to the High Frontier" - a history of transportation, in LEGO
Posted by bluemoose, 15 Oct 2010 09:10. Filed under Events (UK).
This weekend (Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th October), members of the UK AFOL group, the Brickish Association, are running a two-day event in conjunction with the UK National Space Centre in Leicester, with a theme of the history of transportation. The event is is known as "Hay Carts to the High Frontier", and covers transportation from prehistoric times to the distant future. It's a smaller event than the recent Great Western Lego Show, but there will be new models to see.
Full details can be found here - Hay Carts to the High Frontier at the National Space Centre.
3 comments, latest one posted 31 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)699 views
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World record attempt - largest LEGO mosaic
Posted by bluemoose, 07 Oct 2010 14:28. Filed under Events (UK).
LEGO & Dorling Kindersley have got together to promote the launch of the LEGO Star Wars Brickmaster book, (Update: as of today, 8th Oct, Amazon UK is now shipping them):
Come and help break the Guinness World Record for building the largest LEGO mosaic
Join DK for FREE as we attempt to smash the Guinness World Record™ for creating the world's largest LEGO® mosaic. The must-see and must-do FREE activity for October half-term and we need your help! LEGO fans (young and old) come along to Shoreditch Town Hall, London and create the world's largest LEGO® mosaic showing a tableaux of the most iconic characters from the Star Wars™ films, which will measure a staggering 16x9 metres! The mosaic's image will be built with the help of LEGO specialists The Brickish Association.
When? Saturday 23rd, Sunday 24th and Monday 25th October. 10am - 5pm Saturday & Sunday and 10am - 4pm Monday
Where? Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old Street, London, EC1V 9LTCheck out the event webpage at DK.com for more details, and to register. You're in with a chance of winning tickets to LEGOLAND when you do so!
7 comments, latest one posted 31 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)746 views
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I'm back from GWLS...
Posted by Huw, 03 Oct 2010 18:01. Filed under Events (UK).
After two-and-a-half tiring days I'm finally back from Swindon, and just about ready for bed (it's just gone 11pm here) :-)
It was a fantastic event, made even better by meeting some of the Brickset regulars for the first time (DrDaveWatford and atksinsar to name but two)
If you didn't make it, or even if you did, you can read all about the goings-on at the official website, and I also encourage you to read today's GimmeLego blog entry in which DrDave discusses two particularly impressive models that were on display.
I'm also well chuffed that I won prizes in not one but two competitions over the weekend. My team of four (Myself, James S, Tim F and Duncan) won the speed building competition on the Saturday evening: 6 teams competed to build Sonic Boom set:5892 as quickly as possible. We each won a copy of the set! Then today, I came second in the drag racing competition with my Technic elastic band powered vehicle, completing the 10m course in just over 4 seconds. I was beaten by a young lad with nothing more than a standard pull-back motor powered car, by about 0.2 seconds! He chose the largest set which left me with the Empire State Building, 21002. What a shame :-) In third place was a Brickset reader Matt who had the fastest motor-powered car. Well done Matt!
23 comments, latest one posted 31 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)668 views
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Great Western LEGO Show - Update
Posted by bluemoose, 02 Oct 2010 07:00. Filed under Events (UK).
The 2010 GWLS opened to the public two hours ago, and things are going very well. There was a bit of rush to get the final setup completed this morning, as quite a few of the exhibitors weren't able to get here until 8am this morning.
You can keep track of things through the live camera feed here: http://www.greatwesternlegoshow.com/live-video
16 comments, latest one posted 31 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)512 views
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The Great Western LEGO show is just days away...
Posted by Huw, 29 Sep 2010 14:19. Filed under Events (UK).
Don't forget, the largest LEGO show in the UK is on this weekend, in Swindon.- Come and see Marvin the Martian (left) and hundreds of other models!
- Meet me and if you're lucky, bluemoose, Martin and Dr. Sinister!
- See the newly-unveiled LEGO Exclusive set months before it's available!
- Spend loads of money at the trade stands (but get there early for the best choice!)I think that's enough exclamation marks... find out more on the official website.
On the subject of events, a US-style LEGO convention in the UK next year has been announced. AFOLcon, an International Fan Of LEGO convention, is to be held in Manchester 28th April-2nd May 2011. That's 5 days of LEGO fun! See the AFOLcon website for more information and to register.
25 comments, latest one posted 31 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)641 views
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The Great Western LEGO Show is coming up...
Posted by Huw, 17 Sep 2010 15:54. Filed under Events (UK).
In just over two weeks, the largest LEGO show in the UK will be taking place at the STEAM Museum, Swindon, on the 2nd and 3rd October. This year promises to be bigger and better than ever with more displays, more traders (including an official LEGO shop), more presentations, more everything...
This year, the organisers, which includes Brickset's very own Martin, have set up a website with information about the show and also about the models that'll be there and their builders. Head over to http://www.greatwesternlegoshow.com/ to find out more. Over the next few weeks activity on the site will ramp up so check it often, or subscribe to the RSS feed.
Myself, Martin, Dr. Sinister and bluemoose will all be there again. I'm contributing to the train layout in the Caerphilly Hall again so if you come along be sure to drop by and say hello.
If you have any questions about the show, by all means ask here. Myself or Martin will be able to answer.
39 comments, latest one posted 32 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)705 views
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I'm back from STEAM!
Posted by Huw, 06 Aug 2010 15:03. Filed under Events (UK).
The Brickish Association's Great Western LEGO Show at the weekend was a tremendous success! I had a great -- but tiring -- time, having been there and on my feet since set up on Friday afternoon through to tear down on Sunday until 7pm. It was great to meet some of you and put faces to names and good to be asked "are you Huw from Brickset?" several times.
If you were there, let me know what you thought of it all, what you liked and what you didn't. And if you weren't, you can see pictures of what you missed on the BA's events page and on the local newspaper's site.
18 comments, latest one posted 43 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)516 views
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Another Daily Mirror Promotion in the UK - CONFIRMED !
Posted by bluemoose, 06 Aug 2010 15:03. Filed under Events (UK).
Confirming the previous story, and thanks to 'freston' for the news, the new Daily Mirror promotion in the UK starts this coming Saturday, 24th October. Again, no confirmation yet on where the sets can be collected from on each day, but it's likely to be WHSmiths & TRU as previously. Details of the sets can be seen here and on the Daily Mirror site --I'm particularly interested in the little tractor!
Update: I've created a BrickList showing the sets that are included.
37 comments, latest one posted 43 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)726 views
