Latest news with #Victorian-themed
Daily Record
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Brand new Scottish attraction offers magical experience Harry Potter fans will love
A magical new attraction opens next Friday, June 6, bringing Harry Potter-style enchantment. A magical new attraction is set to enchant Scottish Harry Potter fans this summer. The Bubbling Toad is nestled within the lush surroundings of Vogrie Country Park in Midlothian, just a short drive from Edinburgh. The event will open its doors next Friday, June 6, transforming the once-forgotten first floor of Vogrie House into a world where 'stories shimmer, potions bubble, and magic lingers in the air.' The Bubbling Toad has been created by Gayanne Potter - a voiceover artist who claims ScotRail's new 'Iona' AI announcer is using her voice data - and her family, and is a lovingly handcrafted space born from months of creativity and community spirit. What was once a neglected wing of the stunning estate has been reborn as an immersive escape, sparkling with twinkling fairy lights, enchanted classrooms, and hidden treasures at every turn, Glasgow Live reports. Offering a spellbinding experience for all ages, the attraction features potion classes, fairy trails, and handmade crafts beneath a glowing tree, alongside magical stories told in a starlit library. Families with kids and adults alike will find something to delight in, with a Victorian-themed escape room launching alongside the opening, set to change themes every few months. The festive season promises a special transformation too, turning The Fairy Hollow into an Elf's workshop and the escape room into Santa's Grotto. The Bubbling Toad is designed to be welcoming and adaptable, offering quiet sessions across all experiences to ensure accessibility. Visitors can look forward to a wide range of activities, including: Potion classes where spells swirl and cauldrons bubble Fairy, woodland, and dragon-themed parties plus seasonal celebrations Creative workshops for all ages, from crafting to stargazing Relaxing spaces like the enchanted Fairy Hollow and the dreamy Lunar Library Adult craft and design evenings Exclusive hires of the Lunar Library for fortune-telling nights and private events The story behind The Bubbling Toad is one of transformation. When the council offered Gayanne and her family the first floor of Vogrie House, they saw not decay but opportunity. The family revealed that on that first cold January morning, they arrived armed with paintbrushes, old furniture, storm-felled branches, and a head full of ideas. The result is a unique, handcrafted space where artistry, storytelling, and 'a little bit of mischief' come together in perfect harmony. Gayanne Potter, founder and creative director of The Bubbling Toad, said ahead of the grand opening: 'I wanted to create a space that felt magical and enchanting, somewhere families could enjoy a slower pace for a while and reconnect through different imaginative activities. "Take time away from screens, just be swept up in the wonder we've created in the different rooms. Magic has no age limit and The Bubbling Toad doesn't either, it's for everyone.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. In other magical news, the highly anticipated Harry Potter television series has announced its leading cast. Warner Bros and HBO confirmed that young Scottish actor Dominic McLaughlin will take on the iconic role of Harry Potter, joined by Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. The series is expected to debut on HBO and HBO Max in 2026, promising to bring fresh life to the beloved wizarding world.
TAG 91.1
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- TAG 91.1
What to expect in the 16th edition of Sharjah Children's Reading Festival
The Sharjah Children's Reading Festival has returned for its 16th edition on Wednesday, April 23, bringing 12 days of cultural programming, educational workshops, and entertainment for children and families. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, and guided by H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, the festival will be held at Expo Centre Sharjah. Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority, this year's festival adopts the theme "Dive Into Books". It features participation from 122 publishers across 22 countries, alongside more than 200 writers, illustrators, and cultural figures. The programme spans 1,024 scheduled activities, with 133 international guests representing 70 countries. Key components include 35+ panel discussions focusing on the state of children's publishing, reading culture, and the challenges facing the global book industry. In addition to book-centric events, the festival will conduct more than 600 workshops for all age groups, 85 cooking demos, and over 150 sessions in a dedicated 'Comics Corner'. Activities range from 'Manga Drawing Techniques' to science-based sessions like 'Rotating Robots' and creative exercises such as 'Designing Character-Inspired Candles.' New additions this year include the 'Sherlock Holmes Competition'— a Victorian-themed mystery zone spread across 10,000 square feet—and the 'Future Makers Museum', where children can engage in hands-on experiments like launching model rockets and digging for dinosaur fossils. Entertainment also plays a major role, with 85 stage and roaming performances, including the science show 'Science Street' with Abdullah Anan and musical showcases like 'The Golden Generation.' Performers from around the world, such as French illusionist Philippe Bougard and the troupe behind "Masked Wonderland", are also set to appear.
