Brands head to Brum

With a panel that included Jazwares, MGA, Spin Master as well as a market expert from KidsKnowBest, Toys ‘n’ Playthings took part in a toy industry debate at this summer’s Brands & Retail event held at Birmingham’s Millennium Point venue.

TnP editor Tim Murray hosted the panel and was joined on stage by Sarah Fletcher, vice president for global licensing, UK and MENA at MGA, Joel Silverman, the founder of KidsKnowBest, Tina-Louise Foster, global outbound licensing at Spin Master, and Samantha Bourne, licensing director EMEA at Jazwares.

They discussed everything from the current state of the industry, how things were progressing, how best to reach children and what brands, other than theirs, they thought were working in the marketplace (all were effusive in their praise for Mattel and its current work around the Barbie feature film).

The panel was part of a busy day at the event, which included presentations from brands and companies to retailers, and further panel debate, including a look at the current retail landscape, a panel made up of licensees, a panel made up of CEOs, and one looking at women in licensing.

The event was capped off with a gala dinner, while most attendees further praised the venue and the move from London to Birmingham. The next Brands & Retail event will take place at the same venue in February 2024.

Bear with us

Toikido has joined forces with European football body UEFA and Euro 2024 master licensee Fanatic to unveil the mascot for the forthcoming football tournament.

It’s a teddy bear – tying in with host nation Germany, the home of the teddy - and children across Europe were given the chance to help choose its name.

The mascot will be taking to YouTube and Roblox to encourage children to get active and get involved, with the campaign ahead of next year’s tournament bearing the name #makemoves.

Darran Garnham, CEO of Toikido, said: “We’re delighted with the opportunity to have the UEFA EURO2024 inspire kids by unleashing their creativity and passion for football, while also providing a unique and innovative way to play with friends online via our own UEFA EURO2024 football island via our game Piñata Smashlings on Roblox. The island will include a host of interactive mini-games and challenges, which focus on the importance of physical activity and well-being.”

Bluey stages tour

Bluey is hitting the road as the character’s latest step in taking over the world.

A live stage show of Bluey and pals’ antics has already successfully translated to the board from television and toured the US and Australia.

Now plans have been unveiled for a mammoth tour starting later this year and continuing around the UK and Ireland until summer 2024. It includes a prestigious stint at London’s Southbank Centre.

Natasha Spence, head of attractions at BBC Studios Live Entertainment said: “We are so excited to bring Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show to fans across the UK and Ireland.”