Child on VR Playground swing

Phoenix gives families a thrilling VR ride – on a swing…

22/01/2019
Over half term, Phoenix is giving families the chance to put on virtual reality headsets, jump on a playground swing, and be transported into a thrilling virtual adventure.

Cinema and art centre’s half term programme includes VR Playground, drop-in VR cinema, children’s films, comedy and crafts

Over half term, Phoenix is giving families the chance to put on virtual reality headsets, jump on a playground swing, and be transported into a thrilling virtual adventure.

Powered by the motion of the swing, VR Playground propels the rider through a series of colourful abstract virtual worlds – scooting through a metropolis, leaping tall structures in a single bound, or surging upwards to escape the deep abyss.

VR Playground is free of charge and at Phoenix daily from Tue 19 to Thu 21 Feb, 11am – 4.30pm.

With four individual swings, the ride is open to all and recommended for children over 11 – or whose feet can touch the ground whilst on the swing.

Phoenix will also have a drop-in virtual reality cinema where adults and children alike can experience a breathtaking selection of VR films and animations.

Also during half term, Phoenix is screening How to Train your Dragon: The Hidden World(PG) – Fri 15 – Sun 24 Feb, and Comedy in the Dark for Kids (during Leicester Comedy Festival) where comedians perform for children in a pitch black cinema! – Sat 16 Feb and Sat 23 Feb at 6pm.

Earlier in February families will be able to enjoy Clash of the Titans (PG) – Sat 2 – Sun 3 Feb; and Northern Ballet’s Bite-Sized Ballet: Tortoise & The Hare (U) – Sat 9 – Sun 10 Feb.

There is also a free Weather Vision Workshop, where children can create their own stain glass-inspired winter scene, or design and print a 3D snowflake on Sat 9 Feb, 12pm – 4pm.

Phoenix also has a Café Bar with food and drinks menus for adults and children. Full details of all family activities are at phoenix.org.uk/families

About VR Playground

VR Playground is the latest ride experiment by the world’s first ‘Thrill Engineer’, Professor Brendan Walker and his Thrill Laboratory, a collective of artists, designers, engineers and technologists.

It is commissioned by Horizon Digital Economy Research, Norfolk & Norwich Festival, Greenwich + Docklands International Festival, and Without Walls. It is supported by Arts Council England and produced by Thrill Laboratory, Horizon Digital Economy Research, and Norfolk & Norwich Festival.