Build a bit of creativity for kids big and small at BrickCon in Unanderra this November

LEGO lovers rejoice – BrickCon will hit Wollongong in November.

After the success of a Sydney LEGO exhibition earlier this year, Horsley LEGO afficionado and member of Sydney Lego Users Group (SydLUG) Simon Scholtens pitched the idea of bringing one to the Gong.

The suggestion was met with enthusiastic support from SydLUG and Wollongong LEGO users alike.

“We’ve already got people coming from Brisbane, Melbourne and Canberra,” Simon said.

“A lot of local people who have never displayed what they’ve built before have reached out because they’re excited to display what they’ve built.

“We’re looking to have nearly 200 tables of LEGO there; it’s going to be amazing.”

For the uninitiated, a table of LEGO might not sound exciting, but what will actually be on display are intricate models from beloved fandoms like Star Wars, Harry Potter and Back to the Future.

One extra special display for BrickCon is an enormous coral reef model, built by a Wollongong creator.

There will also be vintage LEGO on display for those who want to take a walk down memory lane, and a free brick play area for kids big and small who are keen to have a crack.

On the Sunday between 9 and 10 am there will be a sensory session – nice and low-key for kids who might be overwhelmed by lots of bright lighting and loud music.

If you’d like to add to your own collection there will also be retail stalls at the event.

The Star Wars 501st troupe will make the journey down from Sydney and spend the weekend in the crowd cosplaying as Star Wars characters – and there may be some other special guests, to be announced closer to the date.

Food and drink will be available on site with charity Fifty For a Farmer on the barbecue.

Simon said the goal was to give the community a fun day out, celebrate a beloved hobby, and bring some visitors to Wollongong.

“It’s a great opportunity for people who like to build stuff but might not know there are other people out there like them,” he said.

“There’s no shame in being an adult who displays LEGO! Everyone is welcome; it’s a really good community.

“Nobody leaves disappointed and there are so many opportunities for the kids to let their creativity run wild.

“Unanderra Hockey Club have been fabulous; it’s a great venue. We’re having a Saturday night at The Grounds in Dapto; it’s going to be wonderful.”

In the interests of making the event accessible tickets are $10 per person, with kids under four free.

A Junior Builders program gives kids an opportunity to display their builds on Saturday morning, with the potential to win a prize, and all entries come with a free family ticket.

The Wollongong BrickCon will be held on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November at the Illawarra Hockey Centre on Waples Road in Unanderra.

Doors open at 10 am on both days, with an additional sensory session at 9 am on Sunday for those with additional sensory needs.

For more information head to the Facebook event page or purchase tickets from TryBooking.