Toikido and Cloudco Entertainment have announced the launch of a crossover event introducing Care Bears Adventure Island into the Piñata Smashlings Universe on Roblox.

Toikido, in partnership with Cloudco Entertainment, has announced a crossover event that brings the Care Bears into the expansive world of Piñata Smashlings on Roblox. This event, running from 14th September through 15th November, introduces Care Bears Adventure Island, a specially designed level that creatively transforms beloved Care Bears characters into playful Smashlings forms, providing fans with a unique and interactive experience.

Event highlights include:

• Exclusive Digital Rewards: Players can collect special Care Bears-themed Smashlings and accessories, enhancing their adventures across Roblox.
• Interactive Mini-Games: Themed mini-games that reflect the compassionate spirit of the Care Bears will engage and entertain players.
• Community Engagement: Fans will be given the opportunity to connect in a dedicated game area, fostering a deeper sense of community and shared appreciation for the Care Bears.

The crossover event not only reimagines Care Bears characters in the vibrant aesthetic of Piñata Smashlings but also intertwines their narratives.

This event will craft a unique storyline where the values of caring and sharing are central, enabling both Care Bears and Smashlings characters to work together to overcome challenges and spread joy throughout the Piñataverse. This collaborative approach aims to create a rich, layered experience that resonates with players and honours the heritage of both brands.

Ian Lambur, EVP, Content Strategy, Co-Productions, Global Distribution & Digital at Cloudco Entertainment, commented: “Partnering with Toikido and the Piñata Smashlings universe offers an exciting new dimension for the Care Bears. Piñata Smashlings’ vibrant and playful world is a perfect match for the joyful and caring ethos of the Care Bears. This collaboration allows us to bridge the cherished memories of longtime fans with the dynamic possibilities of modern digital play, introducing these beloved characters to a new generation in a fresh and engaging way.”

Darran Garnham, CEO of Toikido, said: “We are delighted to partner with Cloudco Entertainment to introduce Care Bears to a new generation through Roblox. This collaboration represents a significant evolution in how heritage brands can engage digitally, offering an innovative platform for fans to interact with their favorite characters in new, meaningful ways.”

The Copyrights Group has launched an official Paddington brand channel on TikTok to engage with fans and update users about upcoming movie releases.

The Copyrights Group has officially launched a Paddington brand channel on TikTok to communicate with its audience and share more about upcoming launches such as the anticipated third movie Paddington in Peru, to be released on 8th November 2024, and The Paddington Bear Experience opening at County Hall, London on 31st May 2024.

For 65 years, British-born writer Michael Bond has delighted readers all over the world with his stories about Paddington, the bear from Peru, famous for his love of marmalade. The kindness and humour in the stories appeal to children and adults alike, ensuring Paddington’s enduring popularity from one generation to the next.

HarperCollins Children’s books has published Paddington’s adventures continuously since 13th October 1958 when, as William Collins, it first introduced A Bear Called Paddington to the world.

Since then, Paddington’s adventures have been adapted several times for television and at the end of 2014 Paddington made his debut onto the big screen, a further film, Paddington 2, followed in 2017 with a third in the works. The movies were produced by Studio Canal. In 2020, a brand-new Paddington TV series designed for a pre-school audience, The Adventures of Paddington, launched on Nickelodeon, introducing him to a whole new set of fans.

Readers can access the official Paddington TikTok channel here.

Under the renewed agreement with Sega, Heathside will produce Sonic the Hedgehog toys, collectibles and gifts, introducing additional products to the range.

The company has renewed an existing established agreement with Sega and has added additional products into the Sonic the Hedgehog collection. Heathside has announced that Sonic products will include board games, slime, 2D keychains, chess sets, surprise eggs, resin figures, collector chocolate with collector cards, stick ons, pull backs, head on high bounce balls and more.

The agreement was brokered by Kirsty Guthrie (KJG) for Heathside. The additional Sonic licensed lines will launch in Q4 2024 through selected retail partners.

Darren Epstein from Heathside commented: ‘’We are over the moon to be continuing our relationship and licence with Sega and Sonic. We have long experience working on the brand and are so happy to continue and expand the categories we have.”

Heathside Trading is a leading manufacturer and wholesaler of pop culture consumer products based in the United Kingdom, offering ranges to customers globally in various formats. The company has recently relaunched MasterReplicas.com to enhance its ability to target a direct-to-consumer customer going forward. The company’s Khadou brand acquires IP for development of product across, TV, manga, anime, film, gaming and associated entertainment platforms.

Earlier this year, Heathside reinforced its commitment to Master Replicas and Khadou through two key appointments to support the company’s growth.

To find out more about the company’s ranges, visit www.heathside.biz or get in touch at 01282 775 778 or sales@heathside.biz.

Wow! Stuff is launching a number of new additions and updates to its Harry Potter collection of toys and gifts this year.

Officially licensed by Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products, the collection is aimed at kids, adult fans and collectors.

Headlining the collection are the Lumos wands, made from resin for realism and incorporating Wow! Stuff’s eponymous app technology. This year, all new and existing Lumos wands will work with the free and newly updated Wow! Stuff Light Painting bonus app for day and night light painting features.

Wow! Stuff’s head of Technology, Dr. Graeme Taylor, said: “We wanted to create a new way of being able to draw a line or shape, by recognising the location of an LED wand tip – and to be able to do this in daylight as well as in low light. The Lumos wands now work seamlessly to map the user’s wand movements in real time, and overlay the detected path with a digital pen or brush effect. The advantages of this, particularly for the younger user, is that the camera does not need to be kept still and even in daylight it will produce fabulous and magical results. Additionally, for the Harry Potter section of the Wow! Stuff Light Painting app, templates include the official symbols for various spells, as well as templates of various Patronuses.”

Wow! Stuff also developed the Wow! Stuff Invisibility app which now includes updates and new features for the TOTY (Toy Of The Year) winning Harry Potter Invisibility Cloak, a No. 1 best-seller across all Toys & Games on Amazon at launch in 2020 and now an evergreen staple and much loved fan and collector piece. Users choose an official backdrop scene from the Harry Potter movies by pressing record on their phones and draping themselves in the infamous Invisibility Cloak.

Joining Wow! Stuff’s current range, which covers SRP price points from £4.99 to £49.99, are heat reveal mugs, bag tags and notebooks which are re-recordable. There is also the Howler Card; Marauders Map, with hidden secrets revealed by the UV wand; Mini and Mystery Lumos wands and upgrades to the magical Mystery Flying Stitch, which never fails to surprise and delight onlookers as it appears to fly around their body unaided by human touch.

For availability, contact emma.prendaglia@wowstuff.com for UK, and tony.white@wowstuff.com for Europe and ANZ.

The new Tonie joins the best-selling Peppa Pig collection and is the latest addition to Hasbro’s Learn with Peppa franchise, which launched in January 2023.

Tonies and Hasbro have unveiled the Learn with Peppa Tonie, which will further Hasbro’s mission to support early years learning and development for Peppa Pig fans around the world.

The Learn with Peppa offering currently includes the www.learnwithpeppa.com website (with free downloadable learning resources), 45 dedicated YouTube episodes on the official Peppa Pig YouTube channel, and a series of educational books developed in conjunction with Penguin Books and other publishers around the world. Every product in the Learn with Peppa range has been developed in conjunction with educators or experts from the world of early years learning, to ensure that they authentically support pre-school learning.

The new Tonie delivers a welcome extension to the Learn with Peppa offering for pre-reading Peppa Pig fans, to help support their early years learning journey in an easily accessible audio format. Paired with the Toniebox’s intuitive ‘tap, tilt and squeeze’ controls, young learners can independently play and learn with their favourite pig.

Working closely with Hasbro, the Tonies team has created a compelling track list which aligns with Learn with Peppa’s core areas of educational focus, while also building on Tonies’ values of encouraging a lifelong love of learning through engaging audio. The new Tonie takes inquisitive little listeners on an educational adventure, exploring five key areas of learning:

Track 1: All About Our World

• Listeners can join Peppa Pig, Suzy Sheep and Madame Gazelle as they learn all about the natural world, from weather and seasons to living things such plants and animals, in a wonderful exploration of our beautiful planet.

Track 2: All About Emotions

• Peppa Pig and her friends are taught all about emotions and empathy at playgroup.

Track 3. All About Community

• In this chapter, Peppa Pig and her friends learn about different types of community, from school, family or local groups, while also exploring the importance of the police, doctors and teachers who help look after their communities.

Track 4: All About Being Creative

• Peppa Pig and Suzy Sheep learn all about the joys of creativity and self-expression, from artwork or writing to singing and dancing.

Track 5: All About My Body

• Kids will learn about the importance of looking after their bodies, from bathing to brushing their teeth to exercise and movement.

The new Learn with Peppa Tonie retails for £14.99 and is available at www.tonies.com and selected retailers.

The Australian High Commission in London has hosted a celebratory event organised by BBC Studios which transformed the iconic Australia House into Bluey House for 24 hours.

Bluey flags adorned the Australian Embassy, as members of the public lining the streets for the London marathon were treated to a musical marching band playing the Bluey title music, alongside a surprise visit from Bluey herself.

The activation coincides with the brand-new, unexpected Bluey episode, called ‘Surprise’, that landed globally on ABC Kids and ABC Iview in Australia and Disney+, Disney Channel and Disney Junior in the rest of the world.

The award from the High Commissioner is the first of its kind and celebrates the spectacular growth of the show. BBC Studios, which manages the Bluey brand and global rollout, shared that the brand has had a huge impact on children and families, with new 2023 figures revealing:

•  British children aged 3-6 spent 110m hours playing with Bluey toys.
• Over 1m hours enjoyed by families playing Bluey video games.
• Globally, over 700,000 hours have been spent by families attending live events ranging from Bluey’s Big Play through to events at CBeebies Land at Alton Towers and Camp in the US.
• The online Bluey Book Reads series read by an all-star celebrity line up including Kylie and Dannii Minogue has been viewed over 20m times since its launch.

The award comes just one week after a star-studded blue carpet screening event was held at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square to celebrate the global premiere of the supersized special episode ‘The Sign’, and Bluey appeared on the green carpet of the prestigious Olivier Awards where Bluey’s Big Play received a nomination for Best Family Show.

Australian high commissioner Stephen Smith, said: “Bluey’s phenomenal success in the UK and globally is testament to the ingenuity and artistry of Australia’s creative industries. Bluey highlights the power of Australian stories to resonate with children and parents the world over.”

Nicki Sheard, president of BBC Studios Brands and licensing, said: “What an incredible accolade for an Australian-born show that has truly become part of the world’s cultural zeitgeist. We are thrilled to have created experiences that have unlocked family time and opened the magical world of Bluey for fans across the world of all ages.”

Joe Brumm, the show’s creator added: “It is an honour to receive this award on behalf of everyone who helped bring Bluey to life. Our beautiful country is a character in the show just as much as any of the dogs, so to have brought it into the living rooms of the whole world, encouraging people to come and visit is something I’ll always be proud of.”

Hasbro has announced a vast line-up of Star Wars-inspired toys and figures ahead of May the 4th, to be released between spring and summer.

From this spring, young Star Wars fans can imagine adventures in a galaxy far, far away with the Star Wars: Lightsaber Forge Kyber Core Darth Vader Electronic Red Lightsaber, inspired by the lightsaber wielded by Darth Vader. Featuring character-inspired design, deco and sound effects, this lightsaber includes an extendable glowing red blade that flicks open, cap, cover and core so kids ages four and up can assemble their own light up lightsaber for imaginary duels. It also features a glowing core, inspired by the kyber crystal found at the heart of every Lightsaber. These pieces are compatible across the entire Star Wars Lightsaber Forge line, with kids being able to mix-and-match parts to create, customise and master thousands of combinations.

Additonally, there is the Star Wars: Lightsaber Forge Kyber Core Darksaber Electronic Lightsaber, inspired by the lightsaber as seen in Star Wars: The Mandalorian live-action series on Disney+. This product includes the same features as the Darth Vadar electronic lightsaber.

Hasbro‘s Star Wars Epic Hero Series Stormtrooper action figure features multiple points of articulation as well as design and detail inspired by the character’s appearance in Star Wars. The pack includes the figure and blaster accessory. This figure is compatible with most accessories, vehicles and figures in Hasbro’s Epic Hero Series.

Inspired by the original 1970s Kenner Star Wars action figures, this Star Wars: Retro Collection Star Wars: The Phantom Menace Multipack features premium design and five points of articulation across all figures. These 3.75-inch-scale figures are detailed to look like the Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jinn, Queen Amidala, Darth Maul, Jar Jar Binks and battle droid characters as they appeared in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. These figures feature classic Kenner branding, as well as packaging treated with a weathered look. The multipack includes six figures and five accessories.

This summer, a further five Star Wars products will be launched.

The Star Wars Force N’ Telling Vader electronic figure lets users ask him a yes or no question, then press his head and listen as Darth Vader reveals their fate. This intimidating, yet cute, Darth Vader figure features a fun stylised design and an attached red Lightsaber.

The premium 3.75-inch scale Star Wars: The Vintage Collection Jango Fett figure is inspired by the Star Wars: Attack Of The Clones and features premium detail and design across product and packaging inspired by the original Kenner line, as well as the entertainment-inspired collector grade deco. The product includes the figure and seven entertainment-inspired accessories including his signature jetpack and two blasters with fire FX.

The premium 6-inch Star Wars: The Black Series Droideka Destroyer Droid figure is inspired by the droid’s appearance in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. The first of its kind in a unique droid form factor for The Black Series, this Droideka Destroyer Droid figure can be posed standing on its three legs or in its protective globe form.

Fans can also add the fully articulated 6-inch Star Wars: The Black Series Darth Vader inspired by the character’s appearance in Star Wars: A New Hope, and a premium 3.75-inch scale Star Wars: The Vintage Collection The Mandalorian (Mines Of Mandalore) figure is inspired by the character’s appearance in season 3 of Star Wars: The Mandalorian. This figure comes with three entertainment-inspired accessories including a blaster, knife and Darksaber.

Acamar Films’ Bing has extended its partnership with NSPCC for a third consecutive year to support the charity’s Childhood Day Mile fundraising event.

Acamar Films, the producer and distributor of the multi-award-winning pre-school animation, Bing, is partnering with the NSPCC for the third consecutive year for Childhood Day.

Childhood Day is the NSPCC’s flagship fundraising event to raise crucial funds to protect children. On 7th June 2024, nursery and school children across the UK will be getting together to celebrate childhood and raise money for the NSPCC.

Bing will take part in the NSPCC’s Childhood Day Mile, encouraging nurseries, children and their families to move a mile any way they like, to help support the NSPCC’s vital work. Participants will raise money to keep children across the UK safe. The NSPCC’s theme for this year’s Childhood Day is ‘Play your Part’ and Bing is there to help even young children move their mile by doing it as a team in a relay.

“We are thrilled to be partnering again with Bing for Childhood Day,” said Katie Fudge, Schools Fundraising Development manager at the NSPCC. “Bing’s dedication to early childhood development makes it the perfect partner for Childhood Day.”

Nurseries and early years practitioners that sign up to Childhood Day will receive bespoke Bing resources including activity sheets. Additionally, printed classroom posters and sticker packs will be sent directly to registered nurseries.

Registered nurseries can also enter into a competition to win a visit from Bing and Flop on Childhood Day. Bing and Flop will join in with the children’s activities and help them move their mile. Nurseries and early years practitioners can sign up via the Childhood Day page.

The NSPCC’s Childhood Day campaign will target 10,000 nurseries and early years practitioners around the UK, including email marketing, radio, paid influencer marketing and regional press.

Katie Rollings, chief licensing officer at Acamar Films, said: “Bing tells the small stories that make up those first experiences and shape our children’s understanding of the world and their potential within it. Childhood Day is a wonderful opportunity to come together, celebrate childhood and make a difference to children’s lives in the UK.”

The partnership between Licensing International and the Ethical Supply Chain Program will support the licensing industry in achieving its ESG objectives.

Carmel Giblin

Licensing International, a leading trade association for the global brand licensing industry, has named the Ethical Supply Chain Program (ESCP) as its preferred social compliance partner.

The Ethical Supply Chain Program facilitates communication, certification and cooperation between manufacturers, suppliers, licensors and retailers worldwide. Through the newly formed partnership, more than 1,200 members of Licensing International will now have access to resources and programmes to support their ESG compliance journey and ensure they are adhering to the highest ethical standards.

Programmes available to members include ESCP’s Social Impact Assessment. The online assessment enables licensors to verify the maturity of a company’s social compliance systems and ensure that anyone making products using its intellectual property is doing so in a responsible way. Similarly, licensees can use this efficient and scalable tool to demonstrate to business partners that they are operating ethically.

Maura Regan

Carmel Giblin, president and CEO of the Ethical Supply Chain Program, said: ‘‘I am delighted to formalise our partnership with Licensing International and look forward to exploring how we can support its members and help them to navigate evolving challenges related to social and environmental compliance. This is particularly important at a time when global regulations are increasing. The European Council’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive and the new German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act are just two such initiatives. While the ambition of these initiatives should be welcomed, with any new regulation it’s important that organisations have the necessary tools and resources to ensure they are able to comply effectively.’’

Maura Regan, president of Licensing International, said: “We are thrilled to name the Ethical Supply Chain Program as Licensing International’s preferred social compliance partner. Consumer demand for ethical and sustainable practices continues to grow and, with new regulations launching around the world, we are working to provide our members with the resources they need to continue to grow while meeting these demands. We look forward to working with ESCP to launch new content and programming in support of the global brand licensing industry.”

The Ethical Supply Chain Program will be attending Licensing Expo, taking place in Las Vegas, NV between 21st – 23rd May, and is inviting members of the global licensing community to meet with the team to learn more.

Rubies has expanded its Star Wars costume offering by introducing the pre-school Young Jedi Adventures-inspired collection, which features Kai Brightstar, Nubs and Yoda costumes.

Building on its strong Star Wars portfolio growth, Rubies has unveiled its latest pre-school range for its successful collaboration with global powerhouse Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures.

This collection is designed to ignite the imagination of pre-school children, bringing the enchanting world of Star Wars to a younger generation. Young Jedi fans can now dress up as popular characters including Kai Brightstar, Nubs and Yoda.

The Kai Brightstar-inspired costume showcases his daring spirit and Jedi robes, complete with a jumpsuit. The Nubs-inspired costume captures the lovable fuzzy creature’s charm with its iconic design and printed details and the Yoda-inspired costume transforms toddlers into the wise and revered Jedi Master, complete with Yoda’s distinctive robe and hood with ears.

“Following on from the phenomenal success of Spidey and His Amazing Friends, we are very excited to introduce the latest pre-school hit with our Star Wars Young Jedi Adventure-inspired costume collection. With this epic series, we are anticipating a brand-new wave of new Star Wars fans,” said Fran Hales, head of Portfolio at Rubies. “These colourful and creative costumes mean children can step into the shoes of their favourite characters, fostering imaginative play.”

The Star Wars Young Jedi Adventures-inspired dress-up costumes are available in a range of sizes, catering to toddlers of different ages. To find out more, visit the Rubies website or contact customerservices@rubiesuk.com for more details.