Throughout December, big and little LEGO fans alike hit the streets of Brighton to take part in the city’s LEGO Minifigure Trail, organised by Brilliant Brighton and Brighton Bricks – with one aim: to tick off all 29 hidden Minifigures and bag themselves one of three amazing prizes!
Individual LEGO characters (from the Boxer to Birthday Party Girl, Sumo Wrestler to William Shakespeare) were hidden in the windows of shops, cafés and restaurants across the city, as part of the Minifigure Trail, which saw over 100 families and individuals get involved.
“It’s been wonderful seeing so many people take to the city’s streets, with their trusty Trail forms, for an afternoon or two finding the Minifigures,” Gavin Stewart CEO of Brilliant Brighton, also known as Brighton’s Business Improvement District, says.
“We’ve really enjoyed putting on the Trail, in partnership with local LEGO community group Brighton Bricks, and hope that this, along with our Christmas lights, got people exploring Brighton and feeling festive!”
“I love doing the Minifigure Trail, from interacting with the shops by getting them to choose which figure they are going to hide, to the enthusiasm of the people taking part. It is great supporting the local shops in Brighton, helping to showcase what amazing businesses are out there,” adds Nick Bright, of Brighton Bricks.
The three fantastic prizes worth a total of £1,000 (which combined LEGO sets worth up to £89.99, as well as cash amounts of up to £400), were donated by Brilliant Brighton’s Ambassadors, who patrol city centre streets each day, assisting with everything from security to signposting visitors and offering first aid.
The Ambassadors drew the lucky three names in the prize draw on Thursday 3rd January and each winner (the Macdonald’s, Stephanie Wooler and the Kennedy family) has since picked up their prizes – much to the delight of all involved.
“We’ve loved spreading a little January cheer to families and LEGO-lovers, who’ve won the prizes we’ve donated,” Lead Brilliant Brighton Ambassador (and LEGO fan), Kat Bradshaw-Denton explains. “Hearing how happy they’ve made the winners has brightened up our month!”
“The competition was fun! There were so many shops. It took ages!” Charlie Macdonald, aged 9 (photographed, on the left), who won first prize (the Hogwarts™ Great Hall LEGO set worth £89.99, plus £400 cash prize), along with his twin brother, Ethan and dad, Alex, exclaims. “The model is amazing! It’s so detailed. We’ve been making it for two days now.”
Mum of one, Stephanie Wooler was thrilled to have won second prize – not only for the £200 in cash and LEGO set she received (Pirate Roller Coaster LEGO set, worth £69.99) but for the fun she and her daughter, Faith, had taking part in the Trail. “Faith has autism and we find that LEGO really calms her down. She absolutely loved the LEGO Minifigure Trail and was so excited every time she spotted a figure in a window!” Stephanie says. “We never expected to win but that is the cherry on the cake, as it has given us hours of fun building with her.”
“We’re over the moon to have won,” The Kennedy family (who won the Trail’s third prize – a LEGO Creative Brick Box worth £39.99, plus £200 in cash) adds. “The whole family loved walking around Brighton finding the Minifigures, exploring shops, and enjoying a bit of ice cream! We’re definitely adding it to the family annual activities list.”
Plans are already underway for this year’s event, expected to take place in late 2019. To stay in the know, visit www.brilliantbrighton.com and www.brightonbricks.com.
