Gamesmania® powers up the Merrion Centre this Easter
Retro arcade fun, immersive gaming and family entertainment arrive in Leeds
The Merrion Centre is set to level up the Easter holidays with the arrival of Gamesmania®, an exciting pop-up gaming event running from Saturday 4th April to Saturday 11th April, bringing interactive entertainment for all ages into the heart of the city.
Open daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm, Gamesmania® will transform a large unit on the Centre’s main mall into a vibrant, high-energy gaming hub.
Visitors can book into one of two daily sessions:
- 10:00am – 12:45pm
- 1:15pm – 4:00pm
The event will feature over 120 playable systems spanning five decades, from classic consoles and computers of the 1970s through to modern favourites. Guests can enjoy retro arcade machines, high-spec LAN gaming setups, fully networked Minecraft PC stations, and immersive virtual reality experiences – offering something for both nostalgic players and new-generation gamers.
A casual retail and refreshment area will also be available, offering gaming merchandise, fantasy and magic-themed handcrafted items, cult film and TV collectibles, plus snacks and drinks.
Designed as an inclusive and welcoming experience, Gamesmania® will bring together families, friends and gaming enthusiasts throughout the Easter break. The Tuesday morning session on 7th April has been assigned as an autism-friendly session, with limited capacity, brighter lighting and lower volumes.
A special Adults-Only (18+) Night will take place on Friday 10th April from 6:00pm to 9:00pm, featuring mature titles, LAN shooters, VR, arcade challenges, and themed refreshments including craft beers.
Gordon Sinclair of Educraft, the team behind Gamesmania®, said:
“Gamesmania isn’t just about looking back — it’s about celebrating everything gaming has become. From retro classics to modern multiplayer experiences, it’s a fusion of old-school charm and cutting-edge play, all under one roof.”
Andy Kleek, CEO of Monopoly Events, added:
“We’re bringing immersive elements and themed props to create a fun, memorable atmosphere where visitors can explore, play and capture unique moments.”
Lynsey Clarke, Asset Manager for Town Centre Securities PLC, owners of the Merrion Centre, said:
“Gamesmania is exactly the kind of engaging, high-energy experience we love to bring to the Centre. It offers something for all ages and is a fantastic addition to our Easter line-up.”
Tickets are now available to buy online via www.gamesmania.co.uk priced £8 per person per session, or £24 for a family ticket per session. Adults-only evening tickets are £12.
Tickets subject to 10% booking fee plus 50p fulfilment charge per order. There will be limited availability on the door priced £10 per standard session or £15 for the adults-only session.
For more information and updates, visit the Merrion Centre website or follow on social media.