Our journey from LEGO® enthusiasts to event hosts in the wonderful world of bricks

Hi fellow LEGO lovers!

Please allow us to introduce ourselves! We are the Bradley family (or the Bradley Bunch as we affectionately call ourselves sometimes!), and we're here to share our exciting story about our journey from LEGO enthusiasts to event hosts in the wonderful world of bricks.

It all started with my husband (as it often does), and his love of Lego. Lets just say that he is particularly fond of the Lego modular buildings, and so for a bit of fun over one weekend, off we went to the Lego store. Now, our laddie Jamie was only knee high to a grasshopper (or about 3 if you want to be specific) at the time, so of course we were planning on getting him a little something. However, let's be clear that the primary reason for going to the Lego store was for my husband. Whilst in the store however, I just happened to come across a Wall-E set that I literally just couldn't leave the shop without, and the rest you can say is history! Our wee Jamie grew up watching the obsession grow and the Lego collection expand, so he had no chance of escaping to be fair! So, here we are 9 years later and the passion for Lego has not abated - it only seems to have gotten worse (or better depending on your perspective). I am sure perhaps this is resonating with some of you...possibly?

At any rate, spending time sorting, building and generally playing with Lego is something we do a lot - lets just leave it at that. There is Lego in the living room, kitchen, conservatory, upstairs in our rooms, in the shed - pretty much everywhere. If I didn't know better, I would strongly believe that I've become some sort of Lego hoarder or something - much to my husbands dismay I might add! He's given up questioning me on the various consignments of Lego that turn up, or even batting an eyelid if I disappear off of an evening to go pick up some more. I'm buying stock, see? They do say it's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission....just saying!

Now our wee Jamie isn't so wee anymore - he's almost as tall as I am! His obsession with Lego probably rivals my own - and his knowledge on the subject is astounding! Probably for a couple of reasons, notwithstanding the fact that he's autistic and by golly he's chosen Lego as the thing he knows the most about! But, on a serious note, it has helped get him through some really tough times, and really is like a lifeline to him. He finds solace and comfort in the familiar click of LEGO bricks coming together. While other toys literally have fallen by the wayside and haven't even had a look in over the last few years, LEGO remains a constant source of joy and tranquillity for him. His intricate creations, meticulously crafted with endless imagination, never ceased to amaze us. LEGO is just so much more than a toy to him - which is why we're so glad we can be side by side with him whilst he works on his MOC's and builds set after set - often nabbing ones that we've bought for ourselves to build! :)

When we first ventured into the world of brick trading a few years back, Jamie's enthusiasm knew no bounds. Selling off a few duplicate sets and gift-with-purchase items we didn't want (literally to fund more LEGO!) not only helped us declutter our home, but Jamie was just in his element. It was amazing to see his eyes light up as he engaged with and spoke to fellow LEGO fans. It was actually the first time we'd ever just let him go off by himself anywhere! He was just so distracted by all the LEGO surrounding him, that the sensory overload that he gets when being in crowded spaces was non-existent it seemed! Being a part of the event and engaging with other like minded individuals just seemed to bring him out of his shell!

As we absolutely adore participating in these shows, we were fully intent on joining a few more events this year. However, we were utterly gutted when we couldn't secure tables at any of the events in our area, or even those a bit further afield, despite logging in as soon as the tickets were released! Jamie, understandably, was disappointed as he loves being a part of these events, and he eagerly looks forward to them. Meanwhile, I found myself sitting on a pile of stock with nowhere to sell it! And so rather than let disappointment dampen our spirits, we saw it as an opportunity to create something special – something that Jamie would be proud of.

And so, the idea to host our own LEGO event was born.

With Jamie's boundless creativity and unwavering enthusiasm guiding us, as well as his amazing ideas, we've set out to organize an event that would not only celebrate our love for LEGO but also provide a welcoming space for individuals of all abilities to come together and share in the magic of bricks.

As we busily prepare for our upcoming event, Jamie's excitement is palpable (he was desperate to help with some of the artwork - so keep an eye open for this on the business cards when they're finally printed!). His passion for LEGO serves as a reminder of the transformative power of play – how something as simple as a plastic brick can bring joy, foster creativity, and unite people from all walks of life.

So, as we eagerly count down the days until our event, we're filled with gratitude for the journey that brought us here – a journey fuelled by love, inspired by passion, and guided by the boundless imagination of a boy and his bricks.

We hope to see you all at the event!

Lots of love from the Bradley Bunch x