Building blocks in place for another successful Great Western Brick Show
One of the biggest events held at STEAM will makes its eagerly-awaited return this weekend (7 and 8 October) with its 21st show.
Published: Wednesday, 4th October 2023
The Great Western Brick Show promises a vast, amazing display of new models and an impressive Robot Battle arena as well as all the usual activities for all the family to enjoy and participate in. All models on display are built by Brickish members, making it one of the largest displays of LEGO® fan models in the UK.
Martin Long, co-organiser of the show on behalf of Brickish, the UK club for adult LEGO® fans, said: “We are thrilled to be celebrating 21 years of amazing shows by Brickish members this year. The very first public LEGO® fan event in the UK was held at STEAM in February 2002 with just a handful of members who brought a LEGO® train display to the museum. Over 200 people came to see the models, and were amazed by what adult fans could build with the LEGO® bricks.
“Since then, the Great Western Brick Show has grown year-on-year and this year we expect to welcome over 6,000 people through the doors over the event weekend.”
Martin added: “Our show at STEAM attracts visitors from across the UK, and beyond. Our aim is always to inspire children and adult LEGO® fans to get involved and build their own models at home.
“We believe in the power of imagination. Our model creators achieve amazing builds every year that are sure to offer plenty of inspiration to visitors.
“All of our unique displays are built by Brickish members and many are on public display for the first time.”
Show partners, Brickish, the UK club for LEGO® fans have worked tirelessly throughout the year to produce incredible LEGO® models and inventions using the well-loved plastic building blocks.
There will be plenty to see and do, making it a fabulous day out for all the family. This year’s event includes lots of models of all shapes and sizes built by LEGO® fans such as railway layouts, buildings, space craft, cars, trucks, aircraft and much more.
In addition, visitors can watch and enjoy robot battles at the impressive arena. The event will also feature LEGO® and Duplo brick pits and a giant LEGO® mosaic that visitors can help build over the weekend using 100,000 bricks.
Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Art and Heritage, said: “We are counting down the days until one of our most spectacular events here at STEAM. If you’ve never been before then it is really worth a visit. The displays are spectacular and the robot battles are definitely something to behold.
“It’s a fantastic weekend for all the family and I’d like to thank all the Brickish members for spending so much time building amazing displays! Visitors to the show will have a chance to show their own creativity by adding to the enormous LEGO® mosaic.”
The popular LEGO® market place is also back for visitors to get some great deals on exclusive LEGO® sets not available on the high street.
Doors open between 10am and 5pm on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 October 2023.
Tickets must be booked in advance through the STEAM Museum website: www.steam-museum.org.uk
Tickets are priced at £13.40 for children (3-15 yrs), seniors and students, and £15.95 for adults.
Family tickets are available – please see STEAM website for more details. Under threes go free. STEAM Season Ticket holders receive a 10 per cent discount on tickets.