Wembley Park is set to host an innovative and interactive digital event called PlayDays, which will transform the neighbourhood into a colossal video game console.
The PlayDays: Creatures of Wembley Park event, curated by Walt Studio in collaboration with Wembley Park, promises an exciting experience for visitors of all ages, starting from August 5th.
Participants will have the chance to play a series of short games on two massive 9-meter-tall, 360° wraparound digital screens positioned on Olympic Way, right in front of the iconic Wembley Stadium. These games will be controlled using custom joysticks, jumbo buttons, and even a programmable banana, allowing individuals to interact with the urban landscape in a unique and playful way.
At the core of the event is a captivating challenge – spotting and collecting digital ‘creatures.’ The games will require players to complete various tasks, including mazes to help the creatures find their friends, balance challenges, speed-count exercises, colour memory tests, and more.
Additionally, there will be adorable creatures meant for the youngest participants, who can enjoy tickling and playing with them. Each game will last for 90 seconds, adding to the thrill and excitement.
The inaugural PlayDays event will take place on August 5th from 11 am to 6 pm, with further dates scheduled for August 16th and 17th. The event organizers have ensured that PlayDays hosts will be present throughout, assisting players to make sure everyone can fully participate.
Best of all, all the games at PlayDays will be entirely free for everyone to enjoy, making it an inclusive and accessible event for all.
PlayDays is a significant addition to Wembley Park’s reputation as an open-air canvas for interactive and immersive art. The neighbourhood has become renowned for hosting various immersive seasonal installations and experiences, as well as an impressive array of digital artworks as part of its free public art trail.
From walking upon artworks like the acclaimed Messenger installation by Claire Luxton on the Spanish Steps to losing oneself in virtual reality experiences at meetspaceVR within BOXPARK Wembley, there’s no shortage of creative and interactive encounters.
The forthcoming PlayDays event will be a part of Wembley Park’s family-friendly Summer of Play program, boasting over 300 hours of inspirational and interactive free events. These events include messy arts and crafts workshops, alien dance-offs, circus, dance classes, and more, catering to participants of all ages and abilities.
Speaking about the event, Josh McNorton, Cultural Director of Wembley Park said, “Summer provides the perfect opportunity for families to enjoy a wide range of events in Wembley Park for free.
“Our first-ever PlayDays event will expand Wembley Park’s approach to providing playful and interactive experiences to visitors of all ages and interests. PlayDays will provide fun for everyone, with Wembley Park serving as the perfect digital canvas.”
Walt Studio, led by Iain Simons, founder and creative director of GameCity Interactive Entertainment Festival, is excited to collaborate with Wembley Park.
Simons shared, “Wembley Park is a hugely exciting area and we’re thrilled to be able to work within, and with it. Whilst the new neighbourhood is obviously full of amazing technology and beautiful urban design, it’s built upon a site with incredible history – all around one of the most iconic buildings in the world.
“We’re hoping to bring something new to Wembley Park, taking the first steps in creating original ways for people to experience and play with the space they’re in.”
