Cbeebies and CBBC Open Day

ON Saturday, BBC Children's HQ at MediaCity, Salford Quays, held a Big Birthday Bash to celebrate its ten years on air. Kids Confidential were among the lucky crowds to attend the event.

The BBC Children’s Big Birthday Bash was part of The Quays' Open Day which meant for one day only, all the organisations on The Quays open their doors for behind-the-scenes activities and special events for the whole family.

There were ten activites to mark each year, with Cbeebies and CBBC stars such as presenter Cerrie Burnell, Mr Bloom , Helen Skelton, Barney Harwood, Chris Johnson all making appearances.

There was also a chance to watch exclusive screenings of upcomings programmes such as Tracy Beaker Returns, The 4 O’Clock Club and new animation Tree Fu Tom and hands-on fun with shows like Deadly Art.

We got tickets to see Mr Bloom. Our toddlers were awe struck when they saw one of their favourite characters live, in front of them.  They shouted, jumped, sang and danced along with him as he stomped from left to right in his green welly boots. 

We didn't get to 'meet the veggies' which was a shame, but he did have some real vegetables (with stuck on googly eyes) to hand out to children. Odd but it worked.  He delighted the kids and many of the mums present – ladies, you know who you are.

On the day there were also photo opportunities; the chance to have a go at presenting, face painting and arts and crafts.

The BBC Children’s Big Birthday Bash was part of The Quays' Open Day which meant for one day only, all the organisations on The Quays open their doors for behind-the-scenes activities and special events for the whole family.  This included a new major exhibition about children’s wartime stories at IWM North, the Chinese State Circus at The Lowry, a powerboat ride around The Quays courtesy of The Watersports Centre, a guided tour of Unlocking Salford Quays heritage sculpture trail, a chance to meet the Tudors at Ordsall Hall, play interactive games at The University of Salford and Walk with a Dinosaur at The Lowry Outlet Mall.

Despite the pesky rain, it was a great day out and congratualtions should go to all those involved.  Hopefully they'll be more events like this at MediaCity in the future.