Norwich city centre is about to welcome a brand-new high-octane indoor experience, with another exciting tenant joining Castle Quarter. The Glow-in-the-Dark Gel Blaster Battle Zone is something completely new for Norwich, offering an exciting, competitive play activity.
The team behind the new business has been delivering successful activity experiences for children, young people and adults for several years. They are also an Approved Activity Provider for the Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award, delivering Gold DofE residentials for young people from across the UK.
Gel Blaster is one of the biggest crazes in the USA. Like laser tag, but using non-toxic, eco-friendly gel balls, it was an idea dreamt up by a couple in Texas whose mission was to get kids involved in active play.
Father-and-daughter team Mark and Georgie Keddie have secured the rights to bring Gel Blaster to Norfolk and Cambridgeshire. After building up a huge following for the game from their current base in West Raynham, they are bringing the Glow-in-the-Dark Battle Zone experience to Castle Quarter for 14 weeks this summer.
The original Gel Blaster Battle Zone at West Raynham is based within a historic WWII bunker complex. The team also has an inflatable activity zone, which is taken out to fairs, shows and corporate events all over the country. It’s this inflatable glow-in-the-dark zone that is coming to Norwich this summer.
Huge numbers of children have been catching the Gel Blaster bug over the past 12 months, with Mark and Georgie hosting more than 100 children’s birthday parties, many with returning guests.
The Glow-in-the-Dark Gel Blaster Battle Zone will be the only experience of its kind in the East of England, and the first glow-in-the-dark battle zone in any shopping centre in the UK.
Suitable for ages six and up, but designed to be enjoyed by all ages, this adrenaline-fuelled experience sees players duck, dodge and battle it out using Gel Blasters that fire water-based gel balls known as “gellets”.
Unlike paintballing, the Gel Blaster capsules leave no marks on clothing, totally disintegrate, and are non-toxic and eco-friendly, making it a fun, mess-free activity. While paintballing can also be quite painful when you are hit, the gellets are much softer, with low-impact gameplay meaning there’s no need to cover exposed skin. Participants can even play in shorts and t-shirts. All players are provided with face protection as a precaution, and spectacle wearers can comfortably play too.
The venue will also host “Battlezone After Dark” sessions for adults looking for a unique night out, alongside corporate and team-building events.
The Glow-in-the-Dark Gel Blaster Battle Zone will also offer a range of birthday party experiences, including the flexible “Birthday Your Way” package and the premium “Ultimate Blaster Party”, which includes dedicated party hosting, food, drinks and extended gameplay.