Digital Kids Show at Event City Manchester #DigiKids

We were invited to attend the Digital Kids Show held at Event City in Manchester this weekend. This brand new event showcases the latest in kids' tech, toys, games, apps and devices, alongside lots of exciting activities and opportunities to meet and greet some of the UK's best YouTubers.

Both 7 year old Freddy and 14 year old Kezia came to the event with us, and we spent the whole day there (with an hour taken at lunchtime to pop to the Trafford Centre for food - the catering at the event wasn't great for vegetarians).

There are lots of stands at the event with exhibitors such as YouTube Kids, Scalextrix and CBBC.

You can learn about internet safety, discover new STEM toys, listen to stories, play with apps, do some crafts and try yoga. There is an inflatable planetarium where Freddy learned about the star constellations and he visited the moon using a VR headset with Google Expeditions.

Much of the show is dedicated to gaming and whether you want to do some retro gaming, play Minecraft, test drive racing games, experience VR or try out the latest games on the XBox One, there is something for everyone.

The main stage had a line up including Q&A's with YouTubers such as Netty Plays, Smallish Beans, Ethan Gamer, Ash Dubh, LD Shadow Lady and Amy Lee. There were performances from BGT finalists Mythical PSM and Boogie Storm, which we enjoyed. There was also organised meets and greets for autographs and photos with the vloggers.

Highlights of the day included the inflatable Wipe Out equipment which Freddy loved. It was great to get him doing some physical challenges, competing against other kids in such a fun environment.

The Young Driver lessons were brilliant. Freddy drove a Firefly designed for kids aged 5 to 10 and Kezia drove a real full size car, giving her a taste of the road. They both did really well behind the wheel. What a fantastic opportunity and all included in the ticket price!

Freddy discovered Magformers a new construction STEM toy that uses magnetic geometric shapes to build 3D structures. He loved it so much we bought him a set (review to follow). It is a great educational toy that sparks imagination and helps brain development.

We enjoyed a full and action packed day. There was some queuing involved, as is the case with any event and the wi-fi wasn't great inside the venue, but aside from that it was a great experience giving both Freddy and Kezia a chance to try new things. I liked the mix of physical activities alongside the gaming and tech opportunities. There was lots to see and do and learn.

Full and half day tickets are still available for tomorrow (October 30th) priced from £12.50. Most activities are included and Dick and Dom will be there too.

Find out more at: http://www.digitalkidsshow.co.uk/

Wizards vs Aliens Review

From the creative force behind Doctor Who and Torchwood, Russell T. Davies, comes a brand new series, Wizards vs Aliens.  The series is available on DVD and Blu-Ray from December 31st 2012 and episodes are available on iTunes now, courtesy of  Freemantle Enterprises.

The CBBC's fantasy adventure follows 16 year old Tom, who seems like a normal teenager but is actually a wizard who secretly uses his magic to excel at football (as any modern day wizard would!) .  His secret is safe until the alien Nekross arrive on Earth looking to devour magic and keen on causing chaos.

Tom's geeky friend, science super-brain Benny, helps him take on the challenge of stopping the evil alien attackers.  Can the two unlikely heroes succeed or will the Nekross consume all the magic of Earth with disastrous results for the planet?

Kizzy, aged 10, has been watching this series as we were sent a copy to review.  The show has a young cast who give a great performance in this exciting sci-fi story.  They are determined to defeat the marauding Nekross who are set on destroying the wizards to sate their own appetites.

Kizzy says the story is really thrillng and has her on the edge of her seat.  There is humour entwined into the drama which she enjoys.  The story also contains some sad elements and has some dark parts, but Kizzy said it isn't too scary!  The King of the Nekross (voiced by Brian Blessed)  is a horrible, mean character who is intent on destruction.  Kizzy particularly loves to hate him!

The combination of magic and science is a really refreshing combination giving a young audience a sophisticated series to enjoy with all the creative genius of Doctor Who and Torchwood in a format that they will really enjoy.  Kizzy is riveted to the series and loves the characters of Benny and Tom.  Wizards vs Aliens will really appeal to fans of the Sarah Jane Adventures which was a Doctor Who spin off for kids.  Kizzy loved that series and says that Wizards vs Aliens has a similar feel to it.

The effects and the settings are really good for kids' TV and the characters are great.  It's nice to see a well made children's TV series that doesn't patronise kids.  It is a very entertaining series with good storytelling  and Kizzy gives it a big thumbs up.

The show has a certificate PG and has 12 episodes which gives 360 minutes of great family entertainment.
The RRP of the DVD is £24.99 or £29.99 on Blu-Ray, however Amazon is selling the DVD for £17.99.