Brick 2014

It's a bit late in the day, but still in time for those that missed this year and were wondering about going next year. Here are my thoughts on Brick 2014.

Now I can write this not only from a Lego Lover POV, but as a father of a three year old too. And my reaction from both sides is WOW!

We booked to go on the opening day, Thursday, in the hope that it would not be too busy. Our tickets were for regular people, we could afford the VIP ones, which allowed you 10 o'clock entry and a VIP gift bag.

The bag included an exclusive mini-set and lanyard and other such things I believe. Regular ticket holders could enter any time from 11 o'clock onwards. There was a free Batman Minifig available to all those that entered though which was a nice touch.

Arriving on the Thursday we found that it was the day for school groups (wish I went on trips like that when I was at school), but they were segregated off to have their tickets checked and the entry went swiftly and smoothly.

This was where I was torn. My three year old daughter had been travelling for four hours. She saw one of the four Lego pits and wanted to dive straight in. I, on the other hand, wanted to go straight to the exhibitors.

The father in me won out and we went to the red pit. A brilliant idea of creating many 'zones' of soft play areas just filled with 2x4 standard bricks. All of a certain colour. The one we hit first was red. Build is the only instruction and looking around some of the older kids had made some impressive stuff.

Once we had satiated my daughter's desire to play, we had a look around. The center of the show was about the games. And they had done really well in setting up lots of PS4s, xBox 1s and PS Vitas. All showcasing the new Lego Batman Game. All open to be played with. I was happily surprised that there were so many consoles to use that even with all the school groups there wasn't the rush and squeeze of children desperate to have a go and needing to wait.

She features in the DLC!

A little further around were the stalls. You like to buy custom Minifigs? They're here. Opened Minifig bags? They're here. The Lego shop from Denmark were even there with a tub of Minifigs that didn't quite meet quality control, selling for cheap. Brickarms had a stall selling what they do best, custom weapons and their new Inspector Q range. Matt Smith's Doctor Who for those that recognise him.

My daughter clocked the Anna and Elsa from Frozen almost instantly and so we purchased those and Olaf. All the stalls were well laid out and the sellers more than happy for you to browse and rifle through their stuff.

True some of the Minifigs were a bit on the pricey side, but there were so many pieces and accessories on sale that were within children's price range also that you wouldn't leave wanting.

Best find of the day was the cuddly Lego Man. Bought as a first toy for new baby that's on the way! (Yes I dragged my non-Lego-Loving pregnant girlfriend along as well!)

Soft Lego Man and free Batman were good, Lego Doctor Who was better!

Just be prepared to take lots of cash as none of the stalls seemed to provide card payment. However, there is a free cash machine just outside in the ExCel concourse. The use of hand stamps also lets you exit and return should you wish to go outside for lunch.

There were a couple of food outlets inside and toilets, but they were pricey. Even for London.

Being so close to Christmas, there was a Winter Wonderland type zone. A soft play area with white bricks, my snowman instantly snapped up by some boys when we departed and turned into a zoid-tron. What ever that is. But that's the beauty of Lego! There were some sweet stalls there and a huge play area for slightly older children in the corner.

A section of the room was set aside for a mosaic. Where you can build a tile and it be used to form a larger mosaic at the end of the Show.

Then there was the main attraction. The Exhibitors. If, like me, you follow Lego bloggers such as the Brothers Brick and BrickNerd, you will recognise some of the models on show. It was amazing just what these guys had created and managed to transport as well. They were all protected by barriers and seemed so happy to talk to anyone that wanted a chat.

My daughter struggled looking at these for any period of time, but she is only three and a lot of the models hold no interest for her. Ones that had Doctor Who TARDIS in or any of the MARVEL heroes (I've taught her well) did excite her.

Ones that I enjoyed were the Steampunk scene with flying cows and the stall that had one model from every Lego space range dating back to way before I got into Lego. I recognised a few of the sets and got excited to the point my girlfriend started rolling her eyes!

Quicker than waiting for pigs to fly I guess!

On the whole, the show, for me was a great success and cannot wait to go next year. I would suggest that if taking a child, be prepared with snacks and allow plenty of time in the building sections. I think we were lucky with my daughter as she loves Lego a lot, but at three she did struggle a little.

They had provided a lot for customers, the event was very well organised and there were lots of people milling around ready to help if needed. If you like Lego and seeing what can be done by fans go. Go now. Well, next year when it opens.

If you have any more questions on my experience of Brick 2014, then please do not hesitate to get in contact!