Hamleys Underground Station open by X Factor finalist Luke Friend

Activities

Attractions

Published on Tuesday, 11 February 2014 13:10

Last Updated on 10 February 2014

Monica Costa

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X Factor child star has recently launched a new attraction at the historic toy shop on Regent Street. Hamleys London invited X Factor finalist Luke Friend to busk as it opened its doors to customers and fans on Regent Street at 10am this morning, to celebrate the launch of Hamleys Underground.

Luke Friend, known as the ‘busker from Devon’ is a seventeen year old acoustic singer/songwriter, who rose to fame as an X Factor finalist for 2013. Known for his unique acoustic style, with a dedicated fan base known as ‘Friendies’, he performed to crowds queuing to catch a glimpse of him as he performed.

The new Hamleys Underground, on the store’s lower ground floor, is a unique tube station that comes to life through experiences including games, such as a NERF tunnel target board, official underground souvenirs, a kiosk and entertainment as well as through the design elements from London’s most famous transport system. Central to the attraction is an actual train driver’s cab that entered service on the underground in the 1970s.

Luke Friend commented ‘I always loved Hamleys as a child, so it’s amazing to be invited to perform here. Busking is an important part of who I am and where I’ve come from, so it will always mean a lot to me as a performer.

Hamleys rich history began with William Hamley, a Cornishman from Bodmin, England. William Hamley dreamed of the best toy shop in the world when opening his toy shop at Holborn, London in 1760. Some 253 years later, Hamleys as the finest toy shop in the world, is synonymous with bringing magical experiences and joy to children. Hamleys’ flag ship toy shop, with thousands of toys across?7 floors, can be found in London at 188-196 Regent St.

In 2013 Hamleys, as a global brand, extends significantly further than the famous London toy shop. ?Hamleys can be found in 12 countries with stores in the UK and Ireland (Glasgow, Cardiff and Dublin) and across the world in cities including Moscow, Dubai, Mumbai, Delhi, Copenhagen and Malmo.

If you want to take the kids during Half-term, Hamleys London is open Monday – Friday from 10am – 9pm; 9.30am to 9pm on Saturdays and 12pm – 6pm on Sundays.

And here is Luke performing at Hamleys for all Luke big and small fans out there.