Back by popular demand, Tiny Toon – NE1’s miniature Newcastle play village – will return this summer with some iconic and instantly recognisable new additions. Tiny Toon will be built and in place at Old Eldon Square from Monday, 21st July, and will be open every day until Sunday, 31st August 2025.
Over 95,000 people visited NE1’s free installations in Old Eldon Square last year, with Tiny Toon one of the most popular attractions for young and old alike.
New in 2024, Tiny Toon provided young visitors with a mini-Newcastle to explore with scaled-down versions of some of the city’s most historic, iconic and well-known buildings and businesses. This year, some of the key installations will return. Central to the mini-play village will be the Tyne Bridge, back in all its glory, sponsored by Esh, the construction company leading the transformation and renovation of the real Tyne Bridge.
The Metro, a hugely popular attraction last year, will again give visitors the chance to drive a replica train, pressing all the control buttons in the driver’s cabin and donning a driver’s hat and hi-vis vest, or taking a seat in the Metro carriage to take an imaginary trip on the train.
New for this year, Newcastle’s award-winning Blackfriars restaurant will make its debut appearance in Tiny Toon. Visitors will be able to role-play being a chef or one of the front-of-house team as they prepare delicious, realistic fake food and serve customers at the mini-restaurant.
Two newcomers to Tiny Toon are marking major milestones this year. Life Science Centre (Life) is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and will celebrate with an exciting new miniature replica ‘science centre’, while the Tyne Theatre and Opera House, which is turning 30, will commemorate with a replica theatre in miniature form at Tiny Toon.
Mini doctors, nurses, porters, and support staff will all have a great time exploring the new miniature Great North Children’s Hospital – another new addition to Tiny Toon – which is sure to be a hit with visitors.
Eldon Square will make a welcome return with an impressive collection of dress-up costumes, accessories, and a large store window designed for styling and photo opportunities.
Rachel Fenwick, Head of Marketing and Events at NE1 Ltd said: “We’re so excited to bring back Tiny Toon this summer. We were blown away by its popularity and success last year. It exceeded our expectations, with young visitors happily playing for hours in the tiny businesses and buildings, whatever the weather. We’re immensely grateful to our business partners for their support and involvement in making this possible.
“Tiny Toon offers young visitors a miniature Newcastle to explore, bringing some of the city’s most famous buildings and businesses to life. By highlighting the unique and iconic aspects of this wonderful city, it also fosters pride in Newcastle. Who doesn’t want to drive a Metro train or stand on stage at the Tyne Theatre and Opera House? Imaginative play builds confidence and inspires creativity. Last year was incredible and so well received that people kept returning to enjoy Tiny Toon throughout the summer, we firmly believe the event will go from strength to strength this year.”
Life Chief Executive Linda Conlon said: “It’s a big year for us as we celebrate our 25th birthday, and we are delighted to be part of NE1’s Tiny Toon this summer.
“The miniature Life Science Centre will give children a fun and interactive taste of what they can expect when they visit, and we will also be providing a discount code for families as a birthday ‘thank you’ so they can enjoy all that the science centre has to offer.”
Helen Cowie, Centre Director of Eldon Square, said: “We are thrilled to be a part of Tiny Toon for a second year running! Last year was a huge success, so we are excited to once again be part of this fantastic addition to the city.”
There will be lots of fun, pop-up activities at Tiny Toon throughout the summer with visits and activities hosted by some of the companies represented in miniature form. Don’t miss out on the fun – register for updates at www.getintonewcastle.co.uk.
More in latest
