![[Alastair Brookes - KoLAB Studios]_[Aardman 50th Anniversary - Selects]_[2026]_[019].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7894bc_3bb9d15a38c2443da2f0309ec22f1cec~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_532,w_3000,h_689/fill/w_1533,h_352,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/%5BAlastair%20Brookes%20-%20KoLAB%20Studios%5D_%5BAardman%2050th%20Anniversary%20-%20Selects%5D_%5B2026%5D_%5B019%5D.jpg)
AARDMAN 50TH ANNIVERSARY
The Challenge
To celebrate Aardman’s 50th anniversary, the iconic Bristol-based animation studio brought together its creative community for a landmark celebration at Bristol Beacon.
With five decades of much-loved characters and stories behind the brand - from Wallace & Gromit and Chicken Run to Shaun the Sheep and Creature Comforts - the event needed to reflect Aardman’s distinctive creativity while giving guests an unforgettable anniversary experience.
The Idea
We helped bring Aardman’s 50th anniversary celebration to life through a vibrant programme of immersive entertainment, roaming performers and live event production.
Taking inspiration from Aardman’s playful world and unmistakable creative identity, the experience was designed to surprise and entertain guests throughout Bristol Beacon. From larger-than-life characters and disco-inspired performers to live entertainment and interactive moments, the event created a celebratory atmosphere worthy of such a significant milestone.
The Experience
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Immersive Entertainment: A programme of roaming performers brought energy and interaction throughout the venue, creating unexpected moments for guests as they moved through the celebration.
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Character-Led Performance: Bespoke performers and visually striking costumes added a playful, theatrical layer to the event, reflecting Aardman’s imaginative approach to storytelling.
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Live Event Production: Good Life Events provided production support across the celebration, helping bring the event’s entertainment and guest experience together seamlessly.
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Bristol Beacon: The iconic Bristol venue was transformed into a vibrant setting for Aardman’s milestone celebration, bringing together guests, performers and entertainment across the space.
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50th Anniversary Celebration: From daytime festivities and outdoor performances to the evening party, the event marked five decades of Aardman’s contribution to British animation and popular culture.
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Media Coverage: Photography and media coverage captured the atmosphere, performances and key moments throughout the event, creating a lasting record of the celebration.
The Results
Aardman’s 50th anniversary was celebrated with a high-energy, immersive event in the heart of Bristol, bringing together entertainment, performance and production to create a memorable experience for guests.
The celebration captured the creativity, humour and sense of fun that have defined Aardman for 50 years, while showcasing the possibilities of immersive event production and live entertainment. Hosted at Bristol Beacon, the event was a fitting celebration of one of Bristol’s most iconic creative businesses and its remarkable contribution to British culture.












































