A model of a new Metro train is the centrepiece for a new pop-up play village for kids to explore during the school summer holidays.
The Tiny Toon pretend-play village, features iconic local landmarks and the amazing replica of the Stadler Metro train – has been delivered courtesy of NE1 and a team of local partner organisations, including headline partner Tyne and Wear Metro.
It is an incredible new addition to NE1’s Summer in the City activities at Old Eldon Square in the heart of Newcastle, complementing the other NE1 activities in the area, including Screen on the Green and Play Rebellion.
Tiny Toon opened to the public on Monday, 22 July, and will remain in place until the end of the school summer holidays on 1 September. Kids and parents can join the fun every day from 10am - 5pm (4.30pm on Sundays).
It comes complete with its own mini Tyne Bridge, Metro train, platform and Metro station cube, Eldon Square, the Theatre Royal, and a My Delhi Restaurant.
They will provide hours of free fun and inspiration for children as they pretend to be Metro drivers, retail workers, restaurant staff or customers, or perform on the stage of the mini-Theatre Royal.
Huw Lewis, Customer Services Director at Nexus, said: “We're delighted to be headline partners for NE1’s new Tiny Toon activation this summer
“We wanted Metro to be a part of this project, as it aligns with our ‘kids go free’ permanent price promise, helping families access the city and now enjoy free play at the miniature village.
"The new mini Metro train, a highlight of the play space, is designed to resemble our new fleet, which we are excited to roll out as part of a £362m investment to transform the region's transport system.
“We hope families take full advantage of free kids' Metro travel and have a great time in the city this summer.”
Rachel Barlow, Head of Marketing and Events at NE1 said: “We’re incredibly excited about this year’s newest installation, Tiny Toon. We can’t wait to see the kids' reactions and the fun that will be had over the summer, limited only by their imagination!
“For the past few summer holidays, we’ve developed Old Eldon Square as a destination for play, and the scale of the activities has grown year on year. This year, we wanted to create something children would love that is distinctly and authentically Newcastle. We hope young people will come and enjoy Tiny Toon, fostering pride and appreciation for their city, its wonderful architecture, transport links, and businesses.”
The scope for imaginative and creative play will know no bounds in Tiny Toon and the team has worked to ensure every detail is captured as part of the designs.
The Metro is a child-sized version of the new trains coming into service on the Metro system later this year, together with the same interior design, even down to the seat covers and with high-vis vests for mini-workers. The mini-Metro will even have its own platform, creating a new station for the summer, Old Eldon Square.