Grand Arcade in Cambridge to go Jurassic this Easter

Journey back in time as Grand Arcade turns positively prehistoric this Easter with the arrival of a herd of full-size animatronic dinosaurs.

Roaring through the centre from Saturday, April 1, to Sunday, April 16, will be the fearsome tyrannosaurus rex and the spectacular stegosaurus, a terrifying velociraptor, pteranodon, carnotaurus and coelophysis.

The dinosaurs – which last invaded Grand Arcade in 2021 – are back by popular demand for an Easter exhibition.

Dino-fans can pick up a free Jurassic Trail map to guide them through 250 million years of natural history, encountering super-sized species on all floors of the shopping centre.

They are promised a feast of fascinating dino facts accompanying each exhibit displayed on panels, created with the help of the Sedgwick Museum.

In the spirit of Easter, there will also be an egg hunt, though not of the chocolate variety. Instead, adventure-lovers are invited to scour the Jurassic Trail for a selection of huge hatching dinosaur eggs.

Children from six local schools – Impington Village College, North Cambridge Academy, Sancton Wood, St Mary’s School, The Leys, and Trumpington Community College – were challenged with creating cracking designs for the ancient eggs.

Julie Kervadec, Grand Arcade marketing manager, said: “We are delighted to bring back our Jurassic Arcade event to Cambridge. Impressive giant animatronics and dinosaur eggs will be on display for more than two weeks.

“This year, we made it extra special by partnering with our neighbours, the Sedgwick Museum, and with local schools who will exhibit their ‘prehistoric designs’ in our centre.”

[Read more: Grand Arcade cinema plans submitted to Cambridge City Council, Grand Arcade pop-up exhibition highlights cancer care need]

Victoria Hearn, principal, Impington Village College, added: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to take part in the Grand Arcade’s Jurassic Arcade competition; ensuring our students have the chance to be part of the wider Cambridge community is so important to us at Impington.

“Our talented students have created some ‘roarsome’ designs as part of the brainstorming process, and I am so looking forward to seeing their ideas come to life, and for the Cambridge public to see them displayed in the heart of the city across the Easter break.”