Brainiac Academies will return for the second time to Bluewater this summer, located on the Lower Thames Walk, opposite Boots. Tickets for the event, which will take place between 22nd July and 3rd September will go on sale from 28th June.
Founded in 2008 and based off the popular TV series Brainiac: Science Abuse, the Brainiac Academy shows offer guests a choice of two 60-minute hands-on immersive academies. Led by the Brainiacs, they provide families a choice of fun-filled edutainment activities that are perfect for grown-ups to share with their kids.
In the Detective Academy, there has been a robbery at Brainiac HQ! and the young detectives have the chance to use real forensic techniques to discover clues and help solve a mystery. Guests will learn about the different types of fingerprints and how to extract them from crime scenes. They will also analyse a footprint found at the crime scene and the ink used to write a ransom note to find out who committed the crime.
In the Astronaut Academy, it’s 2037 and the Brainiac Team are ready to explore Mars but need help to design, build and launch a rocket. Guests will be able to develop their design, engineering, and space exploration skills, with only 60 minutes on the clock until launch.
James Waugh, Centre Director at Bluewater Shopping Centre, commented: “We’re thrilled to welcome back Brainiac Academies to Bluewater this summer. Their immersive sessions are a great way to keep kids entertained over the school holidays, whilst ensuring that they continue learning new things outside of school.
“In recent years we have diversified our leisure offering here at Bluewater, and pop-up experiences such as the Brainiac Academies are a key part of keeping our line-up fresh and exciting for our guests.”
Producer Dan Colman said: “This year, we celebrate 15 continuous years of bringing Brainiac Live to audiences and visitors across the globe. As the UK’s leading producer of live family science entertainment experiences, we have had a lot of success with the Brainiac Live stage shows from the West End to the Sydney Opera House. As we continue to expand the world of Brainiac Live, we are delighted to launch the Brainiac Academies, our latest good-value family-orientated ‘edutainment’ events as the perfect summer treat which continue to entertain, engage and inform.
“Retail spaces, shopping centres and other town centre venues have huge potential to bridge the gap between traditional retail and new destination-led activities. This is why we’re really pleased to return to Bluewater, one of the UK’s premier retail destinations with our pop-up family experience and offer an affordable and fun opportunity to reach out to new Brainiac fans.”
The Brainiac Live academies will take place at 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm every Tuesday to Sunday during the school holidays with additional Monday shows during August. For further information, and to book tickets please visit https://brainiacacademies.seetickets.com/
What’s more, Bluewater will become home to the UK’s largest ball pit this August. The free ‘HARIBO Hide n Seekers’ experience will give guests the opportunity win one of hundreds of exclusive prizes through gameplay in the 700,000 balls in the ball pit. Meanwhile the centre will also be hosting a HARIBO pop-up shop, stocking the brands’ sweet treats and special edition merchandise.
The ‘HARIBO Hide n Seekers’ event will be open between August 2nd and August 28th. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays the event will open from midday until 7pm, whilst Fridays and Saturdays will see the experience stay open until 8pm. On Sundays the event will be open 12pm-5pm.