Category Archives: Highlight

Hoppy Days: new Peter Rabbit attraction is coming to Blackpool

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Beloved characters from the award-winning PETER RABBIT animated TV series, produced by Silvergate Media, are set to make a new home on Blackpool’s famous seafront next year, in a partnership that marks the first stand-alone Merlin visitor attraction to be based on the series.

Developed by location-based entertainment company Merlin in partnership with Silvergate Media, Penguin Ventures (on behalf of PETER RABBIT™ brand owners Frederick Warne & Co.) and Blackpool Council, the £1 million investment has been 18 months in the making. The attraction is set to open next door to the famous Madame Tussauds Blackpool as part of a new standalone experience. The addition will join Merlin’s six other attractions in Blackpool including The Blackpool Tower and SEA LIFE Blackpool.

The new experience will provide visitors with the opportunity to hop into the world of Peter and his friends to embark on an adventure across five themed zones. Guests will need to think like a rabbit, move like a rabbit and deploy rabbit-like senses with a whole burrow-full of creativity in order to complete the challenges and earn badges – seeing if they have the skills to join the secret treehouse club. Guests will also be able to meet, greet and ‘high-paw’ with Peter himself.

“Working with Merlin on creating this attraction over the past year, pulling together ideas and new themes from the show and seeing them come to life has been such a thrill,” says Thomas Merrington, Creative Director Live & Experiential at Penguin Ventures. “This really will deliver a brand new experience and I am so excited to see how our young fans will engage with the multiple aspects of this highly interactive play attraction.”

 

 

First Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 retail store launches in city’s New Street

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The first Official Retail Store for Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games has opened on the city’s New Street. The 3,200ft² store is stocked full of official Birmingham 2022 merchandise, including clothing, hats, caps, water bottles and soft toys. Sports fans can also get their hands on Team England T-shirts, vests and hoodies.

Midlands-based company Cube International was appointed earlier this year as the Master Licensee responsible for designing, sourcing, delivering and retailing official licensed products at all the official Birmingham 2022 retail stores they deliver.

Open seven days a week, the store will employ 25 people and overall more than 400 jobs will be created as part of the official merchandise programme. Where possible, staff will be recruited with the support of the Commonwealth Jobs and Skills Academy, launched by the West Midlands Combined Authority to generate job opportunities for and improve the skills of local people.

Alongside the Birmingham city centre Official Retail Store, around 40 official retail stores will be set up at a number of other city centre locations, transport hubs and Games venues in the run up to and during the Games.

 

The show that keeps on giving: BLE goes digital on 30 November and 1 December

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Attendees to Brand Licensing Europe, which took place at ExCeL London last week, participated in 2,669 pre-booked meetings and many hundreds more arranged spontaneously during the three-day show, resulting in one exhibitor hailing the event a ‘triumphant return’.

BLE was back in person after more than two years away to reconnect thousands of retailers, manufacturers and designers with over 150 exhibiting companies and a marked increase in retailer attendees compared to 2019 (11 per cent to 15 per cent).

BLE 21 networking continues online

A further 870 (and rising) meetings have now been booked on the BLE platform for the follow-up online event, which takes place on 30 November and 1 December. Attendees unable to attend BLE in person, and those who did attend but want to book overflow meetings, will be able to connect with most of the in person exhibitors as well as 53 online-only exhibitors, including Mattel, The Pokémon Company, Playmobil, ITV Studios, Bavaria Media, Brigitte Bardot, Edutainment Licensing, Metrostar, Mondo TV, Princess Sam, and more.

The event’s online content programme will expand BLE’s ‘What’s Next’ theme, including three online-only ‘In Conversation’ sessions with senior executives from ViacomCBS Consumer Products; a sustainability panel with Products of Change, and Licensing U, alongside the option to watch recordings of the Team GB and ViacomCBS live keynotes, five ‘What’s Next at Retail’ sessions and the Kelvyn Gardner License This! final, which took place at the show. All of this content will be available to watch on demand for free until 28 February 2022.

 Online-only content includes:

‘D&I In Conversation’ sessions with ViacomCBS executives

  • Diversity in the Workplace
  • Diversity in Content
  • Diversity in Products

Brands for Social Change: Join Products of Change as they talk to Yellow Octopus, Newlife, Preloved Kilo and George at Asda to discuss how they are diverting clothes from landfill and building a fully circular fashion industry.

Licensing U: Featuring 14 presentations across three tracks – Basics, Spotlights and Tactics & Strategies – Licensing U is a one-stop-shop education programme about the $292bn licensing industry for newcomers and experienced professionals. Tickets start at £145 if purchased ahead of the event, or £160 in the platform, and can be purchased when registering for BLE. (Licensing International members can enjoy a 10% discount).

Anna Knight, VP licensing, Informa Markets, says: “What can I say? A massive thank you to everyone who not only made it possible for BLE to return in person this year, but who delivered a top-quality event that delivered on its promise to reconnect the European licensing industry for three days of incredible networking and content. We couldn’t be prouder or more delighted with the feedback we’ve received from exhibitors, visitors and partners.

“Next stop BLE online on Tuesday 30 November and Wednesday 1 December. This is the last real opportunity for the European licensing industry to connect en masse in 2021, so book those meetings now. And then next year we’ll be travelling over to Vegas for Licensing Expo and finally – just 10 months from now – BLE 2022, which will take place 20-22 September at ExCeL London. Despite the sore feet, we can’t wait.”

 

 

 

 

The show that keeps on giving: BLE goes digital on 30 November and 1 December

Posted on by

Attendees to Brand Licensing Europe, which took place at ExCeL London last week, participated in 2,669 pre-booked meetings and many hundreds more arranged spontaneously during the three-day show, resulting in one exhibitor hailing the event a ‘triumphant return’.

BLE was back in person after more than two years away to reconnect thousands of retailers, manufacturers and designers with over 150 exhibiting companies and a marked increase in retailer attendees compared to 2019 (11 per cent to 15 per cent).

BLE 21 networking continues online

A further 870 (and rising) meetings have now been booked on the BLE platform for the follow-up online event, which takes place on 30 November and 1 December. Attendees unable to attend BLE in person, and those who did attend but want to book overflow meetings, will be able to connect with most of the in person exhibitors as well as 53 online-only exhibitors, including Mattel, The Pokémon Company, Playmobil, ITV Studios, Bavaria Media, Brigitte Bardot, Edutainment Licensing, Metrostar, Mondo TV, Princess Sam, and more.

The event’s online content programme will expand BLE’s ‘What’s Next’ theme, including three online-only ‘In Conversation’ sessions with senior executives from ViacomCBS Consumer Products; a sustainability panel with Products of Change, and Licensing U, alongside the option to watch recordings of the Team GB and ViacomCBS live keynotes, five ‘What’s Next at Retail’ sessions and the Kelvyn Gardner License This! final, which took place at the show. All of this content will be available to watch on demand for free until 28 February 2022.

 Online-only content includes:

‘D&I In Conversation’ sessions with ViacomCBS executives

  • Diversity in the Workplace
  • Diversity in Content
  • Diversity in Products

Brands for Social Change: Join Products of Change as they talk to Yellow Octopus, Newlife, Preloved Kilo and George at Asda to discuss how they are diverting clothes from landfill and building a fully circular fashion industry.

Licensing U: Featuring 14 presentations across three tracks – Basics, Spotlights and Tactics & Strategies – Licensing U is a one-stop-shop education programme about the $292bn licensing industry for newcomers and experienced professionals. Tickets start at £145 if purchased ahead of the event, or £160 in the platform, and can be purchased when registering for BLE. (Licensing International members can enjoy a 10% discount).

Anna Knight, VP licensing, Informa Markets, says: “What can I say? A massive thank you to everyone who not only made it possible for BLE to return in person this year, but who delivered a top-quality event that delivered on its promise to reconnect the European licensing industry for three days of incredible networking and content. We couldn’t be prouder or more delighted with the feedback we’ve received from exhibitors, visitors and partners.

“Next stop BLE online on Tuesday 30 November and Wednesday 1 December. This is the last real opportunity for the European licensing industry to connect en masse in 2021, so book those meetings now. And then next year we’ll be travelling over to Vegas for Licensing Expo and finally – just 10 months from now – BLE 2022, which will take place 20-22 September at ExCeL London. Despite the sore feet, we can’t wait.”

 

 

 

 

SEGA announces Sonic the Hedgehog x Steve Aoki virtual concert event

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As part of the continued celebrations surrounding Sonic the Hedgehog’s milestone 30th anniversary, SEGA is teaming up with EDM artist, DJ and producer Steve Aoki to host a virtual concert event coinciding with Aoki’s birthday on 30 November.

Set in a digitally created and immersive Sonic Universe, the one-of-a-kind concert aims to transport audiences to iconic environments like the Green Hill Zone, Chemical Plant and more as they rock out to their favourite Sonic the Hedgehog jams, EDM style. The 60-minute set will feature original songs from Steve Aoki, as well as Aoki remixed versions of fan-favourite Sonic tunes from the 16-bit SEGA Genesis era to today.

For a behind-the-scenes look at how the collaboration came together, click here.

Fans can tune into the virtual concert on the Sonic the Hedgehog YouTube and Twitch channels on November 30, 2021 at 12pm PT / 3pm ET.

SEGA announces Sonic the Hedgehog x Steve Aoki virtual concert event

Posted on by

As part of the continued celebrations surrounding Sonic the Hedgehog’s milestone 30th anniversary, SEGA is teaming up with EDM artist, DJ and producer Steve Aoki to host a virtual concert event coinciding with Aoki’s birthday on 30 November.

Set in a digitally created and immersive Sonic Universe, the one-of-a-kind concert aims to transport audiences to iconic environments like the Green Hill Zone, Chemical Plant and more as they rock out to their favourite Sonic the Hedgehog jams, EDM style. The 60-minute set will feature original songs from Steve Aoki, as well as Aoki remixed versions of fan-favourite Sonic tunes from the 16-bit SEGA Genesis era to today.

For a behind-the-scenes look at how the collaboration came together, click here.

Fans can tune into the virtual concert on the Sonic the Hedgehog YouTube and Twitch channels on November 30, 2021 at 12pm PT / 3pm ET.

GTRACING inks gaming chair deal with Man City

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Football club Manchester City has teamed up with one of the leading brands of gaming chairs, GTRACING .

The partnership will see GTRACING become the Official Gaming Chair Partner of Manchester City’s esports operation and players.

Founded in 2011, GTRACING specialises in producing ergonomically designed gaming chairs that offer support and comfort to gamers all over the world, allowing them to reach their full playing potential.

Manchester City’s esports players and GTRACING will collaborate on various content and fan engagement activations throughout the partnership, in addition to the brand featuring across a number of Club digital assets. The parties will also release a line of co-branded gaming chairs.

Gavin Johnson, City Football Group’s Media Director, says: “We’re delighted to welcome GTRACING as a partner of Manchester City Football Club’s Esports team today. As a Club, we are dedicated to providing authentic esports experiences for our fans and I am pleased that GTRACING will be joining us on this journey as we continue to find new ways to engage with our fans within this space.”

“The integration of traditional sports and esports is the inevitable development of the times, and it is also the core growth project of GTRACING,” says GTRACING founder Aaron Wu. “We are very glad to be able to provide fans with a unique competitive experience through this innovative partnership with Manchester City. Gaming chairs are very important to the esports experience. GTRACING will be committed to focusing on optimising product innovation to fully meet user needs.”

 

The Weeknd marks 5th anniversary of STARBOY with Seventh Heaven capsule collab

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In celebration of the fifth anniversary of his acclaimed album STARBOY, The Weeknd has announced the launch of a five-piece limited-edition collection designed in collaboration with John Ross’s Seventh Heaven. Originally released on November 25, 2016, STARBOY went double-platinum, hit number-one in 90 countries, and shattered the global streaming record at the time in under a week.
In addition to a hoodie and a short-sleeve tee, the collection features two premium handmade jackets in leather and denim with Seventh Heaven’s signature motif, a padded 3D cross. A signature symbol of the STARBOY era, a cross-shaped shoulder bag completes the celebratory capsule.
“I’m excited to be working with The Weeknd, who is such a great artist, [his co-manager] Cash and [creative director] La Mar being people I really respect,” says Ross. “It’s an honour to reimagine some of our staple pieces for this release.”
The capsule collection will be available exclusively on shop.theweeknd.com today, 25 November, at 3PM EST.

The Weeknd marks 5th anniversary of STARBOY with Seventh Heaven capsule collab

Posted on by
In celebration of the fifth anniversary of his acclaimed album STARBOY, The Weeknd has announced the launch of a five-piece limited-edition collection designed in collaboration with John Ross’s Seventh Heaven. Originally released on November 25, 2016, STARBOY went double-platinum, hit number-one in 90 countries, and shattered the global streaming record at the time in under a week.
In addition to a hoodie and a short-sleeve tee, the collection features two premium handmade jackets in leather and denim with Seventh Heaven’s signature motif, a padded 3D cross. A signature symbol of the STARBOY era, a cross-shaped shoulder bag completes the celebratory capsule.
“I’m excited to be working with The Weeknd, who is such a great artist, [his co-manager] Cash and [creative director] La Mar being people I really respect,” says Ross. “It’s an honour to reimagine some of our staple pieces for this release.”
The capsule collection will be available exclusively on shop.theweeknd.com today, 25 November, at 3PM EST.

Atlantyca Entertainment partners with NAKAS GROUP for Geronimo Stilton stationery

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Atlantyca Entertainment has signed a licensing agreement with leading Greek Publisher, Hartini Poli Editions of the NAKAS GROUP, to produce an extensive line of gift and stationery products for their globally popular Geronimo Stilton brand.

The deal expands the relationship between the two companies; NAKAS GROUP is Atlantyca’s publishing partner for Geronimo Stilton Comic Books in the country.

Set to be in stores in Greece and Cyprus by spring 2022, the NAKAS products will include pencils, pencil cases, stamps, puzzles, board games, stickers sheets, mugs, keychains, notebooks, calendars, activity kits, stationery sets and much more.

“We strive to always build on our partner relationships,” says Marco Piccinini, Licensing & Agents Manager, Atlantyca Entertainment. “Geronimo Stilton’s young fans love to have stationery products as part of their school and daily routines.  We are so excited to broaden our relationship with NAKAS GROUP, who are the best at what they do with great detail, and look forward to sharing these products with young children, Geronimo Stilton fans old and new, in the forthcoming year.”

“Bringing what we love out into the world is our top priority,” adds Angelina Papadimitriou, Licensing Coordinator of Hartini Poli Editions. “We are happy to add Geronimo Stilton to our gifts and stationery catalogue. Children in Greece love this sharp reporter and his friends and we look forward to share our new products with all of them.”