The rambunctious residency in Cornwall comes as plans to build a new Eden Project in Dundee are making progress. Dundee’s Eden, which is due to be built in the former gasworks on East Dock Street, has recently moved into its second phase of development following a £7.6m injection into the project.
This period of work will include everything that is needed to get the project ready for construction, including detailed design and development work as well as the submission of a planning application.
Visitors to the Eden Project in Cornwall from Saturday July 23 to Sunday September 4, will be able to team up with Dennis, Gnasher, Minnie and other famous friends on an epic quest to defeat the dreaded CO₂-Zilla, save the planet and rebel against climate change.
An exclusive, bespoke Beano comic strip will guide visitors on a wild journey around Eden, discovering various missions along the way to help Dennis, Minnie and Mr Menace on their crusade to save the Earth.
The pursuit will see families exploring the whole of Eden’s great outdoors and Biomes, with games, crafts and activities across the site, each one exploring a different topic crucial to climate change.
Following a trail across the Eden site, visitors will track CO₂-Zilla to discover its weaknesses and learn ways to reduce carbon dioxide to keep the climate cool.
Along the way they will find myriad activities to take part in, each representing a method to tackle the issue of carbon dioxide.
Among the activities on offer, visitors will be invited to step into CO₂-Zilla’s emissions lair, where they will work together to solve a set of puzzles and bring CO₂ levels down.
More teamwork is required for the Cork a Cow game where families will try to stop cows releasing methane – from both ends.
A third activity sees families discover how growing plants for bees and bugs can help the climate by taking part in four challenges to help save pollinators and boost biodiversity.
More fun can be found in the Arena area of the site, where visitors can choose a skateboard or a scooter and show off their eco-friendly transport skills on skate ramps. There is even something for younger members of the family to try.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the summer holidays visitors can also put their crafting skills to the test as they learn how to embellish clothes, turning old into new to reduce the amount we buy. There will be the chance for them to rebel against climate change and declare what they stand for by adding their voices to a wall of climate placards.
For budding graphic novelists, illustration workshops hosted by a selection of artists and creators, will take place in the Tipi every Wednesday.
Kate Francis, Eden’s Living Theatre Producer, said: “Storytelling is a part of our DNA at Eden and we believe stories have the power to bring people together and help make a difference in the world.
“Beano has inspired and entertained people for over 80 years so we are thrilled to be working with them to tell the story of climate change in Eden’s usual fun, engaging and accessible way.
“We hope families visiting us this summer will have a wonderful day making exciting memories together and be inspired along the way to help protect our amazing planet Earth.”
David Harland, Eden’s Chief Global Growth Officer, said: “We are very excited to be welcoming Dennis and the Beano crew to Eden in Cornwall this summer, not only will it make for a fantastic day out but it also highlights the bonds between the Eden Project and the city of Dundee.
“Wherever they are in the world, Eden Projects will celebrate the culture of their surroundings and share this with their sister projects. Beano and its vibrant cast of characters are cultural touchstones for Dundee but they have a reach and significance far beyond the city. We’re proud to be celebrating that in Cornwall this summer.”
Timed entry tickets for the summer programme are now on sale. All visits to Eden must be pre-booked in advance, including those who visit for free, such as Eden Project Members, existing Annual Passholders and Locals' Passholders, carers and under-fives. For more information and to book tickets, see www.edenproject.com.
Dundonians are being given the opportunity to win a family trip to the Eden Project in Cornwall to experience the Beano summer event for themselves. The prize includes tickets to the Eden Project for two adults and two children, accommodation at The Cornwall Hotel and Spa plus bed and breakfast, and return train tickets. To enter, see www.edenproject.com/beano-dundee-comp.
