Events · Swindon

Great Western Brick Show returns to Swindon with record-breaking displays

By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published

Illustrative stock photograph; not a verified image of the reported event or person
Illustrative stock image (Pexels); not a verified photograph of the people, place or event reported.

Hundreds of enthusiasts have gathered at the STEAM Museum this weekend for the annual Great Western Brick Show, featuring complex motorised models and pop-culture tributes.

Hundreds of Lego enthusiasts from across the UK have descended on Swindon this weekend for the return of the annual Great Western Brick Show. Hosted at the STEAM GWR Museum, the event showcases an array of intricate models and technical marvels created by builders of all ages.

Running across the weekend of October 10 and 11, the exhibition features a diverse range of displays, from pop-culture tributes to highly complex mechanical engineering projects. Among the standout attractions this year are a scale model of the Black Pearl pirate ship and a working motorised railway system, which features trains that navigate between stations using an automated motor setup.

Technical ingenuity is a major theme of the 2024 show. Visitors can view a gold-sorting machine designed by builder Alexis Threlfall, which utilises computer-linked motorised Lego to separate gold-coloured bricks from grey ones. The machine is intended to engage younger audiences with science, technology, engineering and maths concepts through interactive play.

Another collaborative highlight is a massive 108ft automated machine, created by a team of builders from across the UK, which moves small balls through a variety of intricate contraptions. Other exhibits draw on popular culture, including scenes from Doctor Who and The Lord of the Rings, as well as a life-sized collection of equipment inspired by the Ghostbusters film franchise.

For those attending the event, the show also hosts a variety of stalls offering merchandise, food, and the opportunity to purchase individual Lego pieces, including rare sets and minifigures. The exhibition remains open to the public throughout the weekend at the STEAM museum, offering a significant draw for local families and collectors alike.

Source: Swindon Advertiser - Lifestyle · View original