Children’s TV star and dinosaur extraordinaire, Andy Day, dropped in to Liverpool ONE today to track down prehistoric creatures and hunt for dino-friendly food.
The star was in town to try out Dinosaurs Unleashed, the retail destination’s new app that uses augmented reality technology to give visitors the chance to hatch and care for their own dinosaurs.
Running until June, the free, interactive experience gives visitors the chance to nurture their new pre-historic characters by keeping them well-fed and exercised, ready for the battle arena where players collect points to work their way up a special leader board.
Andy, who has become the go-to expert for budding palaeontologists, said: “I’ve absolutely loved my time in Liverpool trying out the app and discovering more about this fascinating subject in such an unusual way. It was fantastic to watch as the dinosaurs ‘hatched’ and moved about through Liverpool ONE, weaving between shoppers to ‘Chavassic Park’ to be fed and to battle with other characters for victory.
“As everyone knows, I’m incredibly passionate about all things dinosaur-related, so it’s great to see how the invasion is helping children to pick up facts and figures, get out in the fresh air and have lots of fun at the same time!”
As part of his trip to Liverpool ONE, Andy joined a group of children on a dinosaur hunt, chasing Raptors and hiding from the mighty T Rex.
Following a story-telling session with Andy, the children – who had won their place as part of a competition with Liverpool ONE – were able to quiz him on his Jurassic know-how and explore the app.
Andy then treated visitors to a special performance of his much-loved ‘dino raps’, with families of all ages joining in the fun.
Liverpool ONE has also enlisted an expert team of dinosaur educationalists to provide all the prehistoric facts and figures any would-be palaeontologist needs. Teach Rex works with schoolchildren across the country bringing the pre-historic era to life in the classroom.
National Museums Liverpool is also working with Liverpool ONE and has welcomed children to its Dinosaur Gallery at the World Museum in William Brown Street since 1987.
Donna Howitt, Marketing Director at Liverpool ONE, said: “Andy Day’s visit to Liverpool ONE has been a huge success and the children had a great time exploring with him.
“Our dinosaur invasion is now well underway and the reaction so far has been amazing. Lots of families have joined us during the school holidays to enjoy a fun day out together and there’s still plenty of time to get involved”