A Day of Transformers, Tech & Totally Wired Family Fun
🎯 Client Objective
As part of its summer programming, Clacton Shopping Village aimed to deliver a high-energy, visually engaging event that would capture children's imaginations while encouraging families to spend longer in-centre. The goal was to pair popular entertainment with hands-on STEM learning, creating a future-forward, fun-filled experience to close out the summer holidays.
💡 Our Creative Approach
We created a bold, immersive “Robot Day” experience headlined by a real-life roaming Transformer, supported by a lineup of interactive workshops and science-led experiments. This single-day event fused theatrical spectacle with education, designed to surprise, engage, and inspire.
- 🤖 Live Transformer: A fully costumed Transformer character roamed the centre, interacting with families, posing for photos, and creating excitement at every turn.
- 🧪 STEM Activity Zone: Led by Dean the “Quantum Physicist,” children explored robotics through:
- Programming robotic arms and lunar rovers
- Operating 3D printers
- Controlling matchbox motors
- Battle bots and mechanical challenges
- 🧱 Hands-On Learning: Through science-meets-magic mini-experiments, Dean broke down complex tech into tactile, exciting takeaways for kids of all ages.
- 🎈 Robot-Themed Décor: Balloons, 8-bit tablecloths, and signage transformed the space into a colourful, tech-inspired world.
🚧 Event Challenges
This event required tight spatial planning and safe tech installation to manage 3D printers, robotic components, and a full roaming performance, all in a public shopping space. Timing the Transformer appearances and managing audience flow were key to maintaining energy and safety.
🛠️ Our Solution
Anopia delivered full creative and production delivery, including:
- Pre-event planning and safety reviews for all equipment and roaming performance routes.
- Theming and layout curation to maximise impact within a limited footprint.
- On-site management and coordination of talent, tech setups, and guest experience.
📊 Results & Feedback
- Families were drawn into the centre in high numbers, with children visibly thrilled by the chance to meet a “real” Transformer.
- Parents praised the balance of fun and learning, with many staying for extended periods to explore the different activities.
- Dean’s sessions were consistently busy, offering equal parts curiosity, entertainment, and education.
"He actually thought he was meeting Bumblebee - it made his summer."
"The robot workshops were amazing. We’ve stayed for hours."
📈 Ongoing Value
This event format proved the power of experiential storytelling blended with STEM, creating layered value for families and the client. It set a new bar for tech-themed retail activations, demonstrating that educational content can be just as crowd-drawing as character meet-and-greets.
Learn from Our Experts
Our blog is full of tips and tricks from our expert event planners to help you start planning your event.
