A new Wallace and Gromit-themed experience will be opening in Bristol’s Cabot Circus on Saturday, aiming to celebrate the spirit of Christmas with Bristol’s well-loved animated duo.
Based in the Friary Building in Broadmead, ‘A Cracking Christmas Experience’ encourages children and families to immerse themselves in the world of Wallace and Gromit, getting involved in an interactive workshop and themed cafe.
Designed by Bristol-based events company Bakehouse Factory in partnership with Aardman Animations, the experience will run throughout the festive period until Christmas Eve.
It's time to help Wallace and Gromit save Christmas!🎄Tickets for A Cracking Christmas Experience are on sale! Join us from 16th Nov – 24th Dec in Quaker's Friars Friary Building and dive into an interactive festive mission with Bristol’s beloved duo.🧀🎅https://t.co/AEJcVxpptA pic.twitter.com/DHhsqAimT1
— Cabot Circus (@CabotCircus) October 4, 2024
Kate Statham, Managing Director of Bakehouse Factory, shared that the production has taken over a year to develop.
“We were first approached by Cabot Circus, who already have a great relationship with Aardman. The two companies are real Bristol institutions.”
Cabot Circus’ Director of Marketing and Placemaking, Sarah Tinsley, says that the hope is “to connect the community at the most magical time of the year,” and to “champion local artists.”
This installation also pre-empts the return of the pair to cinema screens this Christmas, in new Aardman feature Vengeance Most Fowl.
Aardman Executive Commercial and Brand Director, Emma Hardie, says that it’s “such a joy to see our iconic home-grown characters spreading that Christmas spirit locally, especially as we lead up to the release of their new cinematic adventure!”
Alongside the immersive experience, Cabot Circus are bringing back their popular ‘Giving Tree’. This scheme encourages locals to buy gifts and give donations in support of two charities: NEXT Link and The Grand Appeal. All funds will go towards Bristol Children’s Hospital.
This year, the scheme is also tied to Wallace and Gromit, using an exact replica of Wallace’s Christmas tree from the films. “Every year thousands of gifts are donated by the people of Bristol,” said Bakehouse Factory Head of Client Services Charlie Dorman, “and this year they want it to be bigger and better than ever.”
