AFOLs rejoice: Lego is coming to Belfast, opening a new store in Victoria Square.
The news that Lego is to open its first shop in Northern Ireland this summer — its 21st in the UK — is more exciting for me than the time Only Connect had my name on the Wall.
Chances are, if you know what the above means, you’re probably a block party fan.
All the tiny bags, forensically detailed instruction manuals and the newly added brick separator tool (if you’ve ever tried to divide very securely yet inaccurately attached pieces with your teeth, you’ll understand its importance) add up to hours of pleasure.
Lego version of Hokusai – The Great Wave
The joy that putting together an intricate build is worth any pain experienced when you step on an idle piece in bare feet. The satisfaction that comes when that tricky piece fits exactly where it’s meant to, and the build begins to take shape before your eyes is difficult to describe. It’s brilliant.
Besides, Lego works whether you’re a stickler for the rules or a renegade architect. Choose one of the many excellent options it has on offer — a Medieval castle or the Eiffel Tower, anyone? — or use your bricks to assemble something out of this world. After all, everyone is abiding by the company’s mission implicit in its name, an abbreviation of the Danish leg godt, meaning to ‘play well’.
There are multiple bonuses to working with Lego: dexterity, problem-solving, spatial awareness and the chance to create worlds outside of your own. I have never visited a 1950s diner, but I have one in my hallway. I’ve viewed the Mona Lisa in Paris and recreated it, brick by brick, on Christmas Day.
Lego version of the Mona Lisa
Of course, the Belfast store opening is also excellent news for younger builders, not just AFOLs (Adult Fans of Lego). My childhood self would have been hassling my parents to camp out in Victoria Square now to ensure we were first in the queue for purchasing. This will give younger fans a chance to experience what life was like on a visit to iconic toy shop Leisure World.
The new store will allow fans to create minifigures and offer free build challenges. Playing Lego for free? Count me in. It’ll also offer a Pick a Brick wall, meaning builders can pick the exact elements required.
Construction has never been more creative.
Vincent van Gogh – The Starry Night in Lego
Although it’s evident the new shop will get a significant portion of my wages, it’s great news for Belfast city centre and for Victoria Square.
Home to a number of stylish brands including Sculpted by Aimee, Frasers and hot chocolate café Knoops, there are few shops dedicated to creative pursuits. A dedicated 165 sqm store offering a range of products only available exclusively in Lego stores and on its website will ensure continued interest and customers through the door.
The store will open in Victoria Square this summer
And while it’s lovely if you’re in Dublin to pop into the store and admire the pristine sets waiting for new owners, isn’t it wonderful that we can head to Belfast and collect our sets, the love for which is built to last?
This exciting news for Belfast is proof that you should not Lego of your dreams.