If you reside in or around Manchester, United Kingdom and are a fan of the long-running Pokémon multimedia franchise, this new partnership announcement may be of interest to you. The Pokemon Company International has today announced a new IRL event titled Pokemon: Art Through the Ages, described as “a special partnership with retail and leisure destination Trafford Centre Manchester”. This is pitched as a “treasure hunt-style event” which will run from 17 October 2022 until 13 November 2022 inclusive, where visitors to Trafford Centre will be able to discover hidden art of the 151 Pokémon originally discovered in the Kanto region.
Visitors who discover 10 hidden oil paintings and unscramble the secret code can visit GAME within Trafford Centre to collect a double-sided, limited-edition poster at no cost and while stocks last. Additional activities will be offered within a booklet visitors can complete at their own leisure, and even more goodies will be up for grabs, including a certificate for finding all 151 Kanto Pokémon!
Additionally, following the mysterious sightings from 21 September of Pikachu boarding a bus, Pikachu will make its way to Trafford Centre on the new Pokémon Bus to celebrate the event’s opening day on 17 October.
The youngest of fans will also be able to hone their creative skills at the Orient Main Stage area where there will be special art workshops designed especially for children 6–11 years old (subject to bookings and availability). Guests who want to take a break from art hunting can meet Pikachu at scheduled times or watch Pokémon movies and episodes of the Pokémon animated series at the Orient Main Stage area. More information is incoming about bookings in the coming days, and those interested should visit the Pokemon: Art Through the Ages’ official event website.
We are thrilled to announce such a creative partnership with Trafford Centre. Exploration is an element which is key to Pokémon, and we can’t wait for kids and families to embark on their own journey to complete the Kanto Pokédex and see Pokémon depicted in such unique art styles.
Peter Murphy – Senior Director of Marketing at The Pokémon Company International
When initially sourcing a suitable location for this fantastic event, the Pokémon team were inspired by the unique architecture that is iconic of Trafford Centre. We have worked collaboratively with Pokémon, our Partners such as Transport for Greater Manchester, Clear Channel and our Retailers to ensure Pokémon fans can escape the ordinary and experience a unique, memorable and fun-filled day out. On behalf of the centre, we’re delighted to welcome Pokémon next month.
Bruce Gardner – Brand Experience Director at Trafford Centre
