Licensing World

Learning Resources holds Numberblocks immersive event in Norfolk

King’s Lynn is home to leading educational toys company Learning Resources which holds a global master toy licence for Numberblocks. An event in the town centre was organised in collaboration with Toymaster member, Youngsters World, an independent retail store, and attracted fans from across the county.

“It was the first ever Numberblocks immersive event and brought the characters and early years maths concepts from the award-winning hit CBeebies TV series to life in a fun way for young fans. Children received their free branded Numberblocks pencil and map from us and went on a journey around the high street district to find Numberblocks One to Five, working their way to Youngsters World where they received a free badge and got to meet Numberblock One,” said Chris Beardmore, UK sales manager.

He added: “We were delighted to learn that families both from our town and further afield in the county joined in and queued for a photo opportunity with One. The success of the event shows the broad appeal of the series to its audience base of young children and the opportunities for trade customers to come up with fun, innovative ways to attract shoppers to their stores to grow sales.”

Paul Sanderson, of Youngsters World, said: “We were extremely pleased with the event as the shop was packed out with children and parents who were also queuing down the street waiting to meet Numberblock One. We weren’t quite expecting people to have travelled so far to meet the character, which is a great indication of the brand awareness of Numberblocks.”

Moonbug announces new look and name for its 24/7 linear channel

Moonbug Entertainment, a subsidiary of Candle Media, has a refreshed new look for the company’s 24/7 linear channel, Moonbug Kids, and a new name – now simply Moonbug – in line with its wider corporate rebrand. The new Moonbug channel identity aims to convey the same energy and fun as its colourful shows and characters.

While streaming and content on-demand continue to gain popularity, linear channels are still relevant. In 2022, Moonbug saw a big expansion of its linear channel, reaching 75+ countries across the globe. Moonbug has provided dedicated feeds to leading partners across EMEA and APAC including O2, Multichoice/DStv, OSN, Turktelekom/Tivibu, Cignal, Astro, Turkcell/TV+, Telekom Malaysia/Unify TV and Telekom Indonesia/Indihome.

“We want to give every family the opportunity to enjoy our shows on their preferred and go-to platforms, whether it is on the go or at home on an ad-free linear channel,” said Moonbug’s managing director EMEA and APAC, Nicolas Eglau. “Especially with a pre-school audience, linear channels can be a huge help for young families trying to establish healthy routines. Whether it is bedtime, mealtimes or ‘brush your teeth moments’, our programming finds suitable content to mirror families’ daily life.”

Dilek Doyran, Moonbug director, Distribution & Content Partnerships EMEA, added: “Linear TV remains extremely relevant across many territories, where viewers favour ad-free content and a curated experience. It is also particularly relevant in markets where streaming penetration is not as extended and there is a big demand for linear services.”

The company says the rebrand further moves everything under a cohesive Moonbug umbrella, elevating its brand positioning and encouraging industry and consumer recognition as the company behind some of the most beloved shows in kids’ entertainment.

Gabby’s Dollhouse launches Gabby on the Go!

DreamWorks Animation has shared details of its new touring fan experience, Gabby on the Go! based on its popular animated television series Gabby’s Dollhouse, which will travel to nine different locations across the UK and France until July.

Gabby on the Go! gives fans the opportunity to jump inside Gabby’s fantastical, animated world for an adventure full of free activities, and to collect stamps in their Cat Passport as they go by exploring zones that recreate many of the rooms featured in the show. these include Gabby’s Bedroom, Cakey’s Kitchen, SS Mercat, Kitty Fairy’s Garden and DJ Catnip’s Music Bus. The experience was launched with a celebrity photocall attended by Rachel Riley and James & Ola Jordon, to mark the start of the tour.

families the chance to meet Gabby instore and receive a free Gabby’s Dollhouse magazine, created especially for the experience.

The tour began last month and following the UK dates, Gabby on the Go! will head over the channel into France to give fans in the region the opportunity to enjoy this very special live experience.

“There’s nothing else out there in the pre-school space quite like Gabby’s Dollhouse, and it’s really special to watch the reaction of fans as they step into Gabby’s world through this incredible interactive tour,” said Paul Bufton, vice president EMEA, Universal Products and Experiences. “The series comes to life so naturally through play, so we’re delighted that Gabby on the Go! will give children the opportunity to touch, feel and interact with their favourite elements and characters to extend their love of the brand beyond the TV show. Consumer marketing activations are central to our global brand strategy for Gabby’s Dollhouse and we can’t wait for more kids across the UK and France to enjoy this unforgettable experience.”

Gabby’s Dollhouse is now streaming on Netflix with a toy line available at Smyths Toys and other major retailers.