Tiny Toon, the miniature play village replicating Newcastle city venues, opened for its third summer on Monday at Old Eldon Square, drawing families under blazing sunshine. Alongside Tiny Toon, a new Stay & Play area and a giant screen for free films debuted as part of NE1's Summer in the City Programme.
New Additions and Returning Favorites
This year's Tiny Toon features new walk-in buildings including a Tyneside Cinema with posters, box office, and popcorn boxes, and a Pink Lane Bakery with its signature pink branding. The bakery showcases realistic-looking cakes and pastries in the window, with interiors where children can serve squishy goodies, man the till, or take a seat. A mini Dakwala restaurant replicates the city's 'Bombay kitchen' color scheme with wooden tables, plants, spices, thali trays, and dishes of vegetables, chillies, and popadoms. Returning attractions include a Metro train with a driver's cabin and a mini Tyne Bridge at the center of the play corner, which features fake grass, seating, and child-size deckchairs.
Interactive Play and Details
The Eldon Square unit offers dress-up outfits for young 'shoppers,' and the cinema provides costumes. A new Newcastle Building Society makes money fun with appointment tables, lanyards, and abacuses. According to NE1, the level of detail is remarkable, with fake food that looks real, keeping toddlers engaged and allowing parents some relaxation time. Tiny Toon is free to visit throughout the summer, with staff controlling numbers at the entrance. During busy times, families can explore the adjacent Stay & Play area, suited for older children, which includes a bus stop, sand pits, sensory zones, reading nooks, and picnic tables, hosted in association with Stagecoach.
Free Films and Economic Impact
At the opposite end of Old Eldon Square, a giant screen shows free family films daily until the end of August, with deckchairs and grass seating available. NE1 reported that more than 110,000 people visited the free attractions last year, generating a £2.3m boost to city businesses. The Old Eldon Square transformation is part of NE1's Summer in the City Programme, which also includes upcoming events: Dog on the Tyne on August 1, Restaurant Week starting August 3, and a Quayside Carnival on August 22.
