Immerse LDN is set to welcome its latest exhibition, House Of Dreamers, in June 2026.
Created by designers Elena and Giulia Sella, the attraction invites visitors to explore a series of 16 immersive installations, spread across 27,000sq ft of space.
The exhibition comes to London with an AI-based update, after being seen by more than 2million people in four European cities.
Guests of all ages are promised “an emotional journey into the world of dreams” via a blend of design, colour and technology.
New for London, visitors are invited to interact with “AI-powered moments” throughout the exhibition using House Of Dreamers’ DreamBand wearable devices, designed to personalise each experience in real time, meaning no two trips to the attraction are alike.
Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the exhibition – image supplied by House Of Dreamers
from Europe to London
“London represents a strategic milestone for House Of Dreamers and a key step in its international expansion,” said Andrea Cecchi, CEO of Postology, the exhibition’s producer.
“After Milan, Rome, Madrid and Paris, we chose London because it is one of the world’s leading creative capitals, where innovation, entertainment and international business converge and shape the future of immersive experiences.
“To bring this vision to life, we chose Immerse LDN at Excel London – the capital’s newest immersive entertainment district and the UK’s largest destination dedicated to such entertainment.
“Its international positioning made it the ideal partner to host House Of Dreamers on a global stage.”
The attraction features AI technology designed to personalise visitors’ experiences – image supplied by House Of Dreamers
building on a legacy
Immerse LDN is the UK’s largest immersive entertainment district and occupies space along Excel London’s extensive waterfront overlooking the Royal Docks.
Extending to some 160,000sq ft, it features multiple venue spaces that have welcomed more than 1.7million visitors since launch.
Previous attractions have included Jurassic World: The Exhibition, The Friends Experience: The One In London, Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition and The Formula 1 Exhibition.
“We’re thrilled to welcome another internationally acclaimed experience to Immerse LDN and to be collaborating with the visionary team at House of Dreamers,” said Damian Norman, director at Immerse LDN.
“In its short time since opening, Immerse LDN has brought more than 10 innovative immersive experiences to the capital, all showcasing London’s credentials as a global hub for immersive entertainment and activations.”
The exhibition will be in east London from June until September – image supplied by House Of Dreamers
key details: House Of Dreamers
House Of Dreamers is set to open at Immerse LDN on June 26, 2026.
Ticket prices for the exhibition start at £15.90 and dates through to the end of September are available.
The attraction will be open daily from 10am on weekdays and from 9am at weekends.
Following the successful completion of a mammoth project to extend Excel London by 25%, the venue is enjoying something of a purple patch as it attracts new shows and ever-increasing numbers of visitors.
“Everything we do needs to be looked at through the lens of how we get to be the best event destination in the world,” said Jeremy Rees, who joined Excel in 2010 as sales director and took over as CEO in 2017.
“That comes from standards and values, but also from investment.
“It’s something we will strive to achieve every single time we improve something.
“For example: ‘Is our Wi-fi and 5G technology equal to what the best event destination in the world would offer?’.
“I would say today the answer is no, it needs to improve.
“We’ve assessed what it should be and have invested many millions of pounds, which means in a few months our new system will be up and running.
“When that happens, we will be the world’s most technologically-enabled event destination.
“We’re taking this approach across Excel.
“Our extension is world class and we’ve invested a lot in Immerse LDN, but we’ve also addressed a wide range of things in areas visitors don’t always see.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for our customers to have as good an experience as they can, so we’ve been improving the wider infrastructure behind the scenes and the visitor facilities to help achieve that.
“Every week we fixate on how we can make marginal changes to the inside and the outside of our buildings to make them as good as they can be.
“It’s also about being open to feedback and, in the events business, we’re lucky because we constantly get that from visitors and organisers.
“Then we have a framework in place for our teams to think about how we can respond to an issue and in what time scale.
“It might be something we need to plan ahead for, perhaps one, two or three years in the future, but what we have is a constant programme of change and development that asks how we can do things better.
“Expectations are constantly rising and we need to always be thinking about how we rise to meet them.”
Hyrox London has grown to see more than 40,000 competitors take part – image supplied by Excel London
shifting the dial
This process of consistent, iterative improvement – never standing still – is perhaps why the venue is busier than ever, recently attracting 250,000 visitors over just seven days from April 19-26, 2026.
Despite much of the capital slowed by a Tube strike, the east London venue hosted 10 events in the period, with the Elizabeth Line unaffected and playing a solid part in helping the exhibition centre record one of its busiest weeks since the 2012 Olympics.
Around 40,000 of those visitors travelled to Excel to collect their registrations for the 2026 London Marathon, with the venue noting that sport and fitness are playing an increasing role in its success.
“It’s an important part of what we do – it’s a sector that’s passion-led, tribal and one that reflects society,” said Jeremy.
“People are thinking more carefully about what they eat and how they look after their bodies and their minds.
“Two or three years ago brands like Hyrox were on their journey to growth.
“Now it’s gobsmackingly astonishing that last year more than 40,000 people took part in Hyrox London at Excel and this year more people will be doing it here than running the marathon.
“It’s a triumph, an event where people at any level can take part and compete for themselves while improving their fitness.”
Hyrox, which sees participants take on a succession of exercise challenges interspersed with 1k runs, held its first event at Excel in 2021 with 650 contestants.
Now hosting events across the globe, the brand has achieved enormous success and its 2026 edition – scheduled for December 5 and 6, 2026, in east London – will also feature Youngstars, its contest for those aged eight to 15.
Formula E returns to the venue this summer – image supplied by Excel London
a destination for competition
“That’s been one extreme, but sports and fitness in a broader sense have long been important for us,” said Jeremy.
“We’ve been hosting the London T100 Triathlon in various forms for 25 years and last year that saw around 6,000 athletes taking part and 25,000 fans attending the event.
“Formula-E has also been astonishing and will return this August.
“Technically it’s a great show and it’s been amazing to have cars break the indoor land speed record while racing through our building.”
On a wider point, Jeremy said it was Excel’s flexibility – the ability to become a race track while also having the likes of Gym Race, Turf Games, ATHX, Nike’s After Dark Tour and the London International Horse Show on its calendar – that was most attractive to organisers.
“This place is a global trade hub, a centre for ideas – somewhere people want to come to listen and learn,” he said. “Then they take those ideas away with them all around the world.
“I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how much of an impact our extension has had – building a space organisers were asking for has seen them vote with their feet in the corporate market it was designed to serve.
“Large-scale technology events that once booked one year in advance are now booking three or even five years ahead because they know that our space fulfils their requirements.
“They’ve seen the results and they know there’s going to be even greater demand for it in the future.
“There’s also a real benefit for shows when they become associated with a venue – events such as the World Travel Market, for example.
“For those top tier brands, Excel offers an established ecosystem and the Elizabeth Line enables visitors to access that.
“Take Canary Wharf, for example, which is now three minutes away and has such an amazing selection of bars, restaurants and facilities.
“It’s that quality that is helping us attract these events to London.”
Excel London hosts the London International Horse Show, which is set to return to the venue from December 7-21, 2026 – image supplied by Excel London
…as I sink into the soft, supple leather of the private jet’s seat I reflect on my journey to becoming famous. In all honesty, it hasn’t been that long.
A few seconds actually, just enough time to walk up the steps into the aircraft.
But already I’m being treated as though I’m a bona fide celeb.
From here, it’s a whirlwind of photoshoots, screen tests (I am, after all, a noted movie star with a reputation for playing evil villains), agent meetings and hedonism.
Just another day as an A-lister until the machine inevitably spits me out the other end…
Fame Factory at Excel London, the latest immersive experience to open at the venue’s waterside quintet of spaces, Immerse LDN, turns out to be a sophisticated bombardment of a celebrity simulator.
Ticket holders pick their character, sip a glass of fizz (optional) in the Entourage bar, then head off to board their flights to guaranteed renown.
From there, its up to an extensive cast of actors to create and reinforce that fantasy over the course of an hour as a blizzard of scenes unfold.
The attraction itself has been created by live events and broadcast outfit Done+Dusted, with one of the production company’s partners, Hamish Hamilton, at the helm.
It’s fair to say he’s a man who knows the reality of fame.
The experience begins with a flight on a private jet – image by Fame Factory
the pedigree of Fame Factory
“My background is as a television director specialising in live events,” he said.
“Over the years I’ve directed the Oscars, Superbowl events, the Brits and the Emmys – I’ve been immersed in this world of celebrity and red carpets.
“One day, when I was on a red carpet, I realised it was a surreal experience – I never thought I would be doing this when I was growing up in Blackpool.
“I also thought it would be great to give everyone the experience of being famous for 15 minutes.
“Simply put, that was the genesis of Fame Factory, although that 15 minutes has now become an hour.
“I love immersive theatre – the best show I’ve ever been to was You Me Bum Bum Train, which was a life-changing experience for me.
“I saw the first one in east London and I just loved the immersion.
“It got me thinking about how we could create something that would be a lot of fun and which would bring people together – something universal.
“Everybody understands fame, likes attention, likes to feel special, likes being fussed over, and that’s what this Fame Factory is all about.
“It’s really simple – you come down and have an hour of fun, feel great and get to be everything you’ve always wanted to be.
“It’s a series of scenes you experience on sets with actors.
“Some rooms fairly passive – where information comes at you and others are less so.
“You might be asked questions or have the opportunity to participate by posing for a photoshoot or making a video.
“People might think that’s not for them, but everyone who has come through has said it’s been amazing – the actors are really kind and you see some of the quietest people just come alive.”
Hamish Hamilton of Done+Dusted – image by Done+Dusted
the highs and the lows…
While there’s plenty of glitz and glam, the experience is far from a straight puff piece for the world of celebrity.
“We definitely poke fun at fame and its characteristics, and at those who perhaps place too much emphasis on it,” said Hamish.
“The experience is not a wafer-thin glorification of fame – there’s a lot of humour and stupidity, and you’re asked to laugh at yourself, at the situations and at the banality of it.
“In the bar are many assets with captions attached to them which illuminate some bizarre celebrity mishaps that I’ve been adjacent to over the years.
“We also include downfalls, because there’s definitely a darker side to celebrity and we explore that. In the end, fame is entirely constructed.
“Some of the characters you meet in the experience are part of this construct.
“There are many people who are famous because they are magnificently talented.
“Some put those talents to good use while others maybe not so.
“But being famous is also a talent in itself – you don’t need to be as talented as you are famous.
“There are gifted artists and there are celebrities – they’re not the same thing.”
A lot rests on the technical side of the show, which runs in parallel with the experience.
Guests are filmed and snapped as they progress through the scenes with that content used to decorate and enrich the story.
Celebrities get to walk the red carpet as part of the experience – image by Fame Factory
content created at Fame Factory
“My favourite part is actually when people see what we’ve done with what we’ve shot, using all the production values you’d expect – collating it, blending it and layering it with music to create a narrative,” said Hamish.
“People often sit there going ‘OMG’. Then they’re asking how we did what we did.
“Quite often the shows I’m involved with directing are ‘one and done’.
“Those have budget constraints, time constraints and commercial imperatives.
“They’re very stressful but, once you put them out into the world, that’s it.
“With Fame Factory it’s amazing to sit in the bar and hear how groups coming through the experience felt – which scenes they liked and why.
“This is a living, breathing organism – every show you do is different.
“It’s genuinely immersive, genuinely interactive, and there are an infinite number of permutations to the show.
“The guests might pick a character to play but they set the scene and direct their own role so it’s never the same twice.
“In the end, it’s not my show or Done+Dusted’s.
“We’ve laid the groundwork but people weave their own narratives through the storylines and the sets.”
The experience ends with a dedicated awards ceremony for each group in the Entourage bar where participants can also access free and paid-for content created during the show.
An extensive range of merchandise is also available for those who like to wear their celebrity on their sleeves.
Throughout the Fame Factory, content is being created and fed back into the show – image by Fame Factory
key details: Fame Factory
Tickets for Fame Factory at Immerse LDN start at £17.50 with the experience booking into November at Excel.
Dedicated studio created along with five discipline-focused classes to help members train for the popular fitness events
The Hyrox Training Space at Third Space Canary Wharf has facilities for members to train all the challenges they will face in a full race – image by John Payne
In 2023, that was 24,000 and, for this year’s December event, the number of athletes competing is expected to be around 40,000.
For the first time, contestants will use a 1km indoor course at the Royal Docks venue, running a total of 8km while completing eight fitness challenges between the laps.
It’s a discipline that’s caught the minds of gym-goers and, with its finger on the pulse, an opportunity for Third Space Canary Wharf.
As an official training partner, the club’s timetable has seen five classes brought in for members aimed at honing different aspects of fitness for those preparing for events or working their way to taking part in future.
Third Space sport and performance master trainer, Chris Stanton – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
bringing Hyrox to Third Space Canary Wharf
“We saw that people training in the gym were increasingly adhering to Hyrox protocols,” said Chris Stanton, sport and performance master trainer at Third Space.
“We wanted to provide the best environment for those individuals to train, all together in one space.
“We know people want to be part of something as it grows and it’s great we’re able to stay at the forefront of innovation and trends for our members at Third Space.
“Everyone leading the business is immersed in fitness and wellbeing and that allows us to rapidly make decisions to put in new facilities in response to what’s happening – responding to member feedback.
“With Hyrox, we were one of the first affiliate clubs.
“That gives us access to their courses for our coaches and the partnership is very strong.
“They’ve already expressed an interest in filming in the studio and some of their staff have come down to visit.
“It’s a thriving collaboration and they see us as an organic part of their event.
“It allows us to tap into what they’re doing and to get early access codes for our members who want to attend their events to compete.”
The partnership is about more than sexy neon lights.
Third Space’s suite of classes is laser-focused on resulting in a positive performance.
That’s something that taps into Chris’ own hybrid career.
While sporty as a youngster, his other passion led to a career in acting and musical theatre (his mum was a big Gene Kelly fan), which included spells on stage in the likes of High Society and three years in the cast of Legally Blonde.
“A little over 10 years ago, I did my first triathlon and was involved in health and fitness alongside my theatre and film work,” he said.
“In 2019, when my son was two, I made a conscious decision to pursue a fitness career – I felt I was just missing out on the more routine parts of being a dad.
“In 2020, I was offered this role and I find real satisfaction in it – I’m leading classes, I’m involved with education for our trainers and our creative programming.
“There’s a skillset that comes across from the discipline and adaptability of an actor and I see that when other performers come into the industry too – they have the ability to present and to keep the show going.”
As Hyrox is a relatively new discipline and a sport that’s still very much growing and evolving globally, the question of how to train for the events is also a developing field.
However, Chris and the team, in partnership with Hyrox, are delivering a programme that’s aimed at putting Third Space members on the cutting edge of the contest.
The dedicated studio includes six sled lanes – image by Jamie McGregor Smith
enjoyable and challenging
“The first time I did an event, I thoroughly enjoyed it, even if it was extremely challenging in certain areas,” said Chris.
“From the moment you cross the start line and run 100m, you’re really on your own despite all the other people.
“You might recognise one or two faces on your way but you quickly get immersed in the challenges.
“Then, when you come to the finishing line you just feel phenomenal.
“My first event was tough, but I also realised, from a sporting perspective, it was something you could train for and potentially make big gains.
“How can you find an extra 2cm in a jump? How can you get a bit of extra speed?
“How do you boost your anaerobic strength, power and endurance, your aerobic ability and then find consistency?
“We have five different class concepts within Hyrox to help members try and answer some of those questions.
“Hyrox Run tackles the biggest part of the race – it’s 50% of the event, so you need to be effective.
“Hyrox Power is about 75% cardio-focused, with 25% spent on movement and skill with a high metabolic output.
“Hyrox Power is a combination of endurance and making sure participants can dominate the various stations.
“Hyrox Train is a 12-week progressive programme aimed at developing functional fitness to get race ready.
“Finally, Hyrox 90 is our most popular option – 90 minutes is an average time for people to complete a race and the class is about participants understanding how they can get past an hour of work.
“It’s not necessarily a simulation of a race but is structured around working blocks with a desired outcome.”
Third Space Canary Wharf offers members five classes specifically aimed at preparing them for Hyrox – image by John Payne
crossover benefits
The Hyrox classes can, of course, also be an end in themselves.
The physical and mental gains have a great deal of crossover with other sports and can simply be enjoyed in isolation as part of a wider fitness programme.
Chris said: “There’s a direct correlation, for example, between training for Hyrox and triathlon.
“Developing an engine is a true aerobic ability and applies to many different sports.
“The most enjoyable aspect of coaching for me is when I connect with an individual and see them change and realise their goal. That I helped facilitate this is amazing. It’s about challenging people, giving them choices and making it fun.
“Not everyone will reach the highest levels of performance but health-wise, Hyrox is about efficiency and discovering different ways to do things – everyone will get from A to B in varying ways.
“As for the event itself, the fact Hyrox takes place indoors in a closed environment is so special.
“There’s a lovely moment when you’re doing an event where it feels as though you’re interacting directly with spectators because you’re so close to them – you’re not in an arena.
“It’s amazing for them too because they can see everything that’s happening.”
Hyrox races see participants run 8km, undertaking a fitness challenge after every 1,000m – image by John Payne
key details: Third Space Canary Wharf
Membership at Third Space Canary Wharf costs £245 per month inclusive of all classes including Hyrox-focused sessions and all fitness facilities.
Recently Third Space also launched Recovery and Recovery Plus memberships for those seeking to regularly access its Red Light, Cryotherapy and Vibroacoustic Bed facilities, all available at its Canary Wharf Recovery Spa.
CEO Jeremy Rees says the 25% boost in space and new facilities are already proving popular with organisers and brands, bring prosperity to the capital and Newham and the Royal Docks
Excel London CEO Jeremy Rees, left, is joined by deputy Mayor Of London for business Howard Dawber, centre, and Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, chairman of Excel London and managing director and Group CEO of ADNEC Group at the new venue’s first event – image by Excel London
People of greater seniority, plus time, results in events that do more for those attending and their organisers.
It’s this equation that underpins the expansion of Excel London in Royal Docks and the reason it’s already proving popular with brands from across the world.
Opened earlier this summer, the new facility saw early action hosting Formula E as its debut.
Built by Canary Wharf-based McLaren Construction, the extra 25,000sq m of space boosts the venue’s overall capacity by 25% to 125,000sq m.
That’s golden acreage for organisers to use, especially with the Elizabeth Line working as a major artery to deliver an ever increasing flow of people to the venue.
Excel London’s expansion massively expands the venue to the east – image by Excel London
a crucial transport link
“Since it started running and now everyone’s become familiar with it, visitor numbers have
risen 20%, dwell time has gone up by 20% and there are substantially more senior people from organisations coming to events here,” said Jeremy Rees, CEO of Excel London.
“The data is now backing up what we’ve been observing.
“If we’re in the business of connecting people, we’re doing that with an audience that’s a fifth bigger, is more senior and for a period of time that’s 20% longer.
“That multiplier effect is very substantial.”
With such positive figures as a foundation, it’s perhaps little wonder that an enhanced Excel is proving very popular following the introduction of the new facilities.
The extension includes an expanded international convention centre – allowing the venue to compete to host some of the largest congresses in Europe – as well as new exhibition halls, conference spaces and meeting rooms.
It is part of a wider £350million investment programme in London’s business and tourism economy by venue owner ADNEC Group.
The new facility includes outdoor terrace spaces – image by Excel London
a transformational expansion
“Our customers are saying the extension transforms the way they can use Excel,” said Jeremy.
“There are 37 rooms, you can have 7,000-8,000 delegates in the new space alone in a very cost-effective and efficient way.
“By using its external terraces, organisers can also create more of an emotional impact.
“Around 60% of our corporate market now is coming out of the USA – large tech, pharma and life sciences events.
“It’s exactly for them that we have built this facility.
“The encouraging trend is that they like it, they’re booking it and they’re going to be bringing tens of thousands of people to London for the first time.
“The market is speaking, everyone is moving forward with intent and the space is already getting booked up.
“It will be fascinating to see what happens over the coming months.
“Our owners in Abu Dhabi are wholeheartedly committed to investing in the experience economy in London.
“They’re extraordinarily proud of what’s been achieved so far.
“Opening the extension was definitely a history-making moment.”
Excel recently hosted Formula E – image by Excel London
Excel London: creating a halo effect
There’s a wider story here, however.
While greater provision of facilities at the venue is good news for Excel, its owners and their clients, the benefits extend well beyond its walls.
“The new facility is a very substantive step forward in terms of regular employment and profile for the area and I think the halo effect will continue to ripple through the estate and further afield into Newham and the surrounding boroughs,” said Jeremy.
“It’s an increasingly attractive proposition to invest in hospitality and the experience economy in and around Excel.
“When you look at Canary Wharf and London City Airport, the wealth building agenda in Newham and beyond with the GLA, there is a really coherent strategy to maximise the experience for visitors and the returns of investors and investees in London.
“There’s a real sweet spot at the moment and there are big players investing heavily in infrastructure – we’re one of those – to make sure as a city we stay ahead of the game compared to our European competitors.
“We’re already leading Europe and, globally, with this new facility, we are very much in the top percentile of venues that have everything to offer – exhibition and convention space, amazing transportation as well as fantastic hospitality offerings.
“My sense is that, until the next venue is completed in a tier one city, Excel is the place to come to.
“It’s fashionable, practical and commercially resonant for everyone that uses it.
“This new extension allows us to present a new kind of space that’s not existed in London before – it’s genuinely transformational for the city.”
Excel, of course, isn’t standing still.
Future plans include investment in its digital infrastructure, its hospitality offering and outside areas.
This will build on the success of Immerse LDN, a series of spaces of chapters on the edge of the dock that have been generating a steady stream of visitors to immersive attractions celebrating the likes of Formula 1, Egyptian history, Friends and Squid Game.
“There are regularly around 6,000 people a day visiting these and they’re here for a very different purpose than those coming to events at Excel,” said Jeremy.
“They are coming to be entertained, for fun, for enjoyment and they’re bringing their families.
“It means bars and restaurants can build really quite compelling business cases to locate here with consistent trade flowing though on a daily and weekly basis.
“It’s not just Monday-Friday, it’s also the weekends and it extends into the evenings too. In terms of driving a more vibrant estate, it brings life to these spaces on a consistent basis.
“I believe London has deserved more substantive, more modern and flexible infrastructure and it now has that.
“We all need to work very closely together to attract more inbound business, which ultimately creates a substantial effect throughout the visitor economy, advantaging so many of our businesses and organisations.”
key details: Excel London
Full venue details for those interested in hosting events at Excel London can be found on its website alongside extensive listings detailing what’s on in Royal Docks.
If you want to see the genuine stuff, pop over to the British Museum where they have a vast array of real things dating back 3,000 years.
The Russell Square institution has more than 100 mummies alone and they’ll let you look at them for free.
Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition has perhaps a dozen, somewhat sorry-looking historic objects, plus a bunch of replicas in varying degrees of quality.
Somebody didn’t want to pay the extra cash for the King Tut mask with the inlays, so the colours are just painted on.
But this is because Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition is really all about spectacle.
The visuals are stunning, even if the narrative arc is far from clear – image by Jon Massey
a flurry of facts
Visitors are initially introduced to a series of museum-like displays offering info on the Boy King and the discovery of his barely-touched tomb in the 1920s.
These are pretty informative, presenting a drip-feed of knowledge.
There are teasing mysteries too such as the questions over Tutankhamum’s parentage – was his mum actually the famous Nefertiti, for example?
There’s quite a bit on archaeologist Howard Carter, his partnership with Lord Carnarvon and how their blockbuster discovery took the world by storm.
There’s some depth – just enough to get the neurons firing as we wander into a space grandly titled “The Treasure Room”.
But this is not a touring museum, it’s an entertainment.
The replicas that lie within – including a full-size mummy, the ersatz death mask plus the odds-and-ends collection of bits from ancient Egypt – are only an aperitif.
What this “exhibition’s” creators are really all about is digital.
Replicas in the exhibitions’ ‘Treasure Room’ – image by Jon Massey
Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition, a digital spectacle
First we enter a room with projections on all four walls and the floor. Here, a 30-minute looped video presents a visually arresting vision of – what exactly?
Golden geckos run around the floor, sandstorms act as screen wipes, followed by infestations of scarabs, scorpions and, at one point, an unstoppable cascade of golden jewellery.
Lightning flashes, deep voiceovers intone important-sounding words. If there is a narrative at all, presumably it’s the life of King Tut, but to be honest, that’s not the point.
It’s a surprisingly fun and engaging watch.
Imaginative in the extreme (Gods come to life, temple pillars telescopically retract for unclear reasons), it’s like an ancient Egyptian acid trip made flesh for our amusement.
This is equally true of the not one, but two VR experiences that follow.
The first takes place in a swivel chair and starts off as a tour of the tomb.
Reality is quickly left behind, however as we ascend to the afterlife, complete with lava, giant God statues and a heart weighing ceremony with Anubis.
The graphics aren’t amazing and the content is balderdash – Nefertiti is now definitely Tut’s mum, for example – but it’s diverting for seven minutes or so.
In the second one, we don headsets and wander around a room.
One minute we’re in the tomb, the next we’re on the dig site.
Then we’re half trapped under some poorly rendered sand.
Other guests are represented as the top third of a greyscale Howard Carter, which adds an extra level of silliness to proceedings.
Maybe there’s a plot but who knows? And frankly, who cares?
At about £25 a go the ride is amusing.
There’s a light shower of facts, followed by at least 90 minutes of solid nonsense that’s worth a watch purely because nobody seems at any point to have queried whether it’s a good idea to flood the screen with golden rings, just because you can.
Even what purports to be a serious holographic presentation of the mummification process features sky water, or something.
You have to see it to believe it.
4/5 ****
Columns are brightly coloured and sometimes bounce up and down like telescopes – image by Jon Massey
key details: Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition
Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition is booking until June 29, 2025, at Excel London’s Immerse LDN in Royal Victoria Dock.
Tickets start at £22 plus booking fees and can be purchased via Eventim or Fever.
The exhibition is located about five minutes from Custom House station offering DLR and Elizabeth Line services.
Newham All Star Sports Academy (NASSA) is set to host its first networking and fundraising dinner – NASSA’s Next Generation – at Brick Lane Music Hall in Royal Docks this summer.
what is NASSA?
For 20 years the charity has been an engine of social mobility for young people in east London.
Engaging them through basketball, it supports their education and training, instilling discipline and ambition in some of the most deprived areas in the capital.
Its Carry A Basketball Not A Blade campaign has reached more than 100,000 young people, teaching them about the dangers of knife crime and working in partnership with the Metropolitan Police to tackle gang culture.
In short, NASSA saves young people’s lives and enriches them.
NASSA CEO and founder, Natasha Hart – image Matt Grayson
>>Natasha Hart MBE, NASSA CEO and founder, started the charity in 2005 after taking her two sons to a Newham park to teach them basketball.
Soon she was surrounded by young people keen to try the sport, which inspired the charity’s creation.
Natasha said: “Once you become part of the NASSA family, that’s for life.
“What started in 2005 as a way for young people to get outside and keep fit has grown into a bigger mission, working with the community to tackle violence and gang culture through sport and education.
“It’s incredibly moving to hear about the difference we’ve made in people’s lives. Now we want to reach even further.
“It’s amazing that we’re able to host this networking and fundraising dinner in our 20th year to help us continue that work.
“We’re so grateful for the support we’ve had over the years and would love you to join us on June 18, 2025.”
why NASSA’s Next Generation?
To continue in its work and expand its operations, NASSA needs to raise funds and is always looking for new organisations and individuals to partner with.
In celebration of its 20th anniversary, it has created an event aimed at bringing its supporters together with those who would like to get involved to network, to introduce the charity’s ongoing work to them and mark its achievements.
Networking and dinner will be followed by a show at Brick Lane Music Hall in Royal Docks
what will happen?
NASSA’s Next Generation is set to take place at Brick Lane Music Hall in Royal Docks on June 18, 2025, from 6pm-midnight.
The evening will start with a drinks reception with plenty of time for networking.
This will be followed by a three-course dinner and a music hall show, with further opportunity to socialise after the curtain falls.
who will be there?
The evening will be hosted by NASSA with support from the charity’s patron, Sir Stephen Timms MP, minister for social security and disability.
Excel London CEO, Jeremy Rees – image by Jon Massey
>>Excel London has long been a supporter of NASSA and its work.
CEO Jeremy Rees has brought local organisations together in an advisory capacity to help guide the charity as it continues to grow and develop, tackling some of the toughest issues in society.
Jeremy said: “What Natasha and the team have done over the course of two decades is incredible and deserves our attention and backing.
“This is an organisation that started with just £20 in its bank account and has now reached more than 100,000 young people.
“The NASSA’s Next Generation networking and fundraising dinner is all about how we can work together as businesses, organisations and individuals to help it continue these vital efforts and reach the next 100,000.
“The event will be a real celebration of NASSA – but we can’t do this alone.
“Support us on June 18 and we can do even more.”
The charity works to fight knife crime and gang culture through its Carry A Basketball Not A Blade campaign
how can I get involved?
Tickets to the event are now on public sale, priced at £220pp with all proceeds going to NASSA.
A small number of full tables (12 seats) and half tables, priced at £200pp are available too.
Specifically, The Photography And Video Show is set to arrive at Excel London for the first time over four days in March.
what’s it all about?
Professional and amateur photographers plus film, video and content creators are invited to the east London exhibition centre in Royal Docks to check out the latest kit and techniques.
what brands will be there?
The major players will all be present including the likes of Canon, Sony, Nikon, Fujifilm, OM System, 3 Legged Thing, Pentax, Tamron, Lowepro and Sigma.
In total more than 250 brands will be showing cameras, lenses, equipment and accessories, with visitors able to try out kit and purchase it at the event.
Retailers such as Wex Photo Video, CameraWorld and London Camera Exchange will also be present, offering exclusive show discounts and trade-in finance options.
New for 2025 will be exhibitors such as Tilta, Imagen AI, Viltrox, Tiffen, Nya-Evo and Sandisk.
there’s more?
Education is a major component of the event, with a range of talks and demonstrations on offer across six stages and theatres.
Photographers participating in sessions include Lindsay Adler, David DuChemin, Joel Grimes, Colin Prior, Andy Gotts, Julieanne Kost, Scott Kelby, Sarah Edmunds, Kelly Brown and Belinda Richards.
On the moving image side, Teja Lisjak, Libby Penman, Mandy Celine, Dan Thorburn and Dean Sherwood will be sharing insights and tips for making films and capturing video.
and for content?
The show has invited content creators Oliver Howells, Kym Moseley, Tati Kapaya, Tamara Gabriel, Andy Burgess, Ellis Reed, Bax Mundoba and Courtney Victoria to share their expertise on its Creator Stage.
Visitors will be able to try out all the latest kit – image by The Photography And Video Show / Future Publishing Events
discover the latest kit at The Photography And Video Show
beyond the stages?
Many of the brands exhibiting will also be hosting their own programmes to demonstrate kit and skills on their stands.
Adobe will be running an education programme at its hub, while the show will also host the Nikon School, Canon Spotlight, Fujifilm School and offerings from Sigma and Digital Camera World.
places to play
The Photography And Video Show has partnered with Creativity Hub Events to offer visitors interactive shoot sets where they can practise their skills and try out their purchases.
The Creator Playground will also return for a third year with attendees told to expect giant garden gnomes, illusion tunnels and much more besides.
they say…
Event director, Ruth Folkard, said: “The Photography And Video Show isn’t just ‘another trade exhibition’, it’s far more than that.
“It’s a date for the diary for anyone who loves to be behind the camera.
“This is the event’s debut in London and we’re really looking forward to welcoming thousands of tech geeks and creative artists alike.
“Beginner or pro – it really doesn’t matter, there’s something on for everyone and we’re family friendly too.”
More than 250 brands will be participating in The Photography And Video Show – image by The Photography And Video Show / Future Publishing Events
key details: The Photography And Video Show
The Photography And Video Show is set to make its debut at Excel London from March 8-11, 2025.
Open from 10am-5pm each day, standard tickets cost £18.95 with discounts available for multi-day access.
An opportunity for attendees to expand their networks, to connect with more than 120 exhibitors and to boost the skills they use in their careers.
who’s exhibiting?
Suppliers will be represented from the fields of business travel, corporate gifting, workplace solutions, event planning services and many more.
what about activities?
There will be a range of opportunities including speed networking sessions and the return of The PA Show Passport, an initiative that encourages delegates to visit suppliers for the chance to win prizes and collect a goody bag. This year it’s sponsored by Thorntons.
how about on stage?
The Keynote Theatre is free to attend on both days, with highlights on the programme including Lifting Your Potential: Strongwoman Stories To Help You Say Yes To Success from coach and speaker, Zoë Thompson, and Lead Up: How To Move From PA To EA And Beyond by keynote speaker, trainer and coach at The Like Me CIC, Jasmine Mbye.
The event will offer plenty of networking opportunities
CPD-accredited content
that’s not all is it?
No. The event is well-known for its CPD-accredited sessions, which can be accessed at the event for an all-inclusive cost.
Firstly there’s the Tech Theatre. Running both days, highlights include Crafting Precision: Advanced ChatGPT Prompts For Proactive Assistants with Paul Pennant of Microsoft MVP and Using AI To Supercharge Your Social Media from Kati Noakes, founder of KN Comms. The event will also host a Personal Development Theatre on both days.
Then, on the first day the show will also host the VA Content Stream for virtual assistants including VACT Limited’ s VA trainer and mentor, Amanda Johnson with a talk entitled Be The Boss Of Your VA Future and Shelley Fishel, founder of Tomorrow’s VA on Saving Money And Boosting Efficiency With Microsoft Tools For Virtual Assistants.
The second day will see the event host the EA Leadership And Progression Conference Stream offer sessions on Mastering Business Skills For Growth And Leadership from Clare Lucas of UK Ducks In A Row Ltd and From Uniform to Suit: Boot Camp For Executive Assistants by Claudine Martin, senior EA at BNY Pershing.
Marketing director at Mash Media, Charlotte Fewlass
register for The PA Show now
they say…
“We’ve added a theatre stream specifically designed for executive assistants aspiring to leadership roles,” said Charlotte Fewlass, marketing event director at Mash Media, organiser of The PA Show.
“These sessions will equip attendees with the strategic thinking, resilience, and communication skills needed to excel in today’s evolving workplace.”
who’s supporting?
In addition to Thorntons, the event’s 2025 headline sponsor will be train travel specialist SWR Business Direct.
It’s also supported by meeting and event space provider Convene and business travel management firm Corporate Traveller.
anything else?
The show’s sales and event director, Lisa Farnfield, said:
“The PA Show offers unparalleled opportunities for skill development, networking and career growth.
“Our exhibitors provide cutting-edge solutions tailored to executive support professionals, ensuring attendees leave with actionable insights and valuable connections.”
Sales and event director at The PA Show, Lisa Farnfield
key details: The PA Show 2025
The PA Show Spring 2025 is set to take place at Excel in Royal Docks from February 26-27, 2025.
Exhibition and Keynote Theatre passes are free for PAs, EAs, VAs and office managers.
Full access including all CPD-accredited content costs £199 for one day or £239 for two ex VAT.
Group discounts of 20% for five+ delegates are available.
“It’s comforting, welcoming and inviting – many people watch Friends again and again and have told us it’s the last thing they see before going to bed,” said Kathleen Wallis, vice president of global themed entertainment at Warner Bros. Discovery and one of two people heading up the creation of a new attraction in east London.
Together with Stacy Moscatelli, CEO of OGX Productions, the pair have taken a space at Excel’s newly minted Immerse LDN waterfront strip and conjured forth a little bit of sitcom magic.
The Friends Experience: The One In London opened its doors this month (August, 2024), offering visitors the chance to pose and snap away in a series of painstakingly recreated sets from the show.
Not only that, there’s a chance to enjoy themed refreshments in a New York-style space after exploring the attraction and a gift shop.
That this experience should be launching some two decades after the final episode aired, is testament to the comedy’s enduring popularity – the fact it has found fresh fans as younger audiences fall for the trials and tribulations of Rachel, Ross, Monica, Phoebe, Chandler and Joey.
A series of Friends sets have been painstakingly recreated at Immerse LDN
the mass appeal of Friends
“It’s got universal themes and many people use the show to learn how to speak English,” said Stacy.
“Everyone growing up experiences first love, room mates, navigating apartments, jobs, choosing careers, falling out – it’s just very relatable.
“The show was really well done and has held up – it’s still very enjoyable to watch.”
The attraction at Immerse LDN – which will house a number of visitor experiences as well as a food hall at the east London conference and exhibition centre – has its roots in a New York pop-up.
“We were talking around the studio about the 25th anniversary of Friends, so we decided to do something like a pop-up in New York City for 30 days in Soho,” said Kathleen.
“That was in 2019 and it was massively successful. I think everyone is a Friends fan on some level.
“We’ve been creating these live experiences in different locations for a few years now, so we see the emotional reaction people have when they come into the spaces.
“The novelty of that never wears off – watching people being in the space, their reactions and where they take their pictures.
“With this one, we started off by thinking about what a fan would be disappointed by if we didn’t have it in a location like this – what should be in London?”
Visitors can relax on the sofa at Central Perk
£20 entry to Friends The Experience
Visitors who pay the £20 ticket price will find a selection of sets such as the fountain from the title sequence, the characters’ apartments and a faithful recreation of coffee shop and sometime gig venue, Central Perk.
What’s fresh for this edition of the experience, however, are some significant nods to London including a tribute to Joey getting lost with his camcorder and Emily and Ross’ wedding.
“This is more than a pop-up, it’s a flagship creation here in London, where we bring to life all of the iconic sets and some of the fun from some of the episodes that people loved the most,” said Stacy.
“They get to immerse themselves in those places and relive what they loved about the show.”
Kathleen added: “While it’s a show that everyone has watched at some point, people haven’t stepped inside the physical spaces before.
“We start with the opening credits, the fountain, the music and then all the things you would expect.
“But we also fly visitors to London and we’ve got the interior of the chapel where visitors can recreate Ross’ wedding.”
While the altar isn’t real – you have to hop on the DLR to Shadwell to visit St John’s Church in Wapping, which was used for the location shoots in the series, for that – the romance certainly is.
“My favourite thing about these experiences we’ve created is the proposals,” said Kathleen. “We’ve had 270 across all our locations so far, which is amazing.
“I think it shows the emotional connection people have with the series, that it makes sense for them to do that in our sets.”
Locations from scenes in London have also been recreated
emotional scenes
Stacy added: “I’ve seen the doors open and people just break down crying because it’s so emotional for them to be here on a set.
“We really hope that people have a joyful experience.
“As you walk through, we have a lot of episodes playing and you can’t help watching, laughing and smiling.
“We’ve been around the world, and we still stop and laugh.
“We’re both Friends fans – my favourite episode is when Ross has trouble with his leather pants.
“We know we can’t disappoint people who love the show, so we created the sets with a forensic level of detail – we have to get it right, because the fans know – and we’ve worked really closely with Warner to make that happen.”
All this means that when you open the fridge in Monica’s apartment, Rachel’s traditional English trifle is right there lurking.
Jam, good. Custard, good. Beef, gooooood…
Kathleen Wallis, left, and Stacy Moscatelli of Warner and OGX
key details: Friends The Experience: The One In London
The Friends Experience: The One In London is now open, with bookings for dates all the way into February, 2025, available.
Tickets start at £20. VIP packages (including professional photography, which is typically extra) cost £65.
- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
