Every Friday should be spent launching yourself around the world’s biggest bouncy castle - and the wacky new Monster inflatable course did not disappoint.
It was like one giant life-like game of Super Mario - from alien tentacles to massive slides, The Monster was an absolute scream.
Like most people who have booked tickets you really don’t know what to expect and, as you walk into the smoke-filled unit 18 at the NEC, you’re greeted by monster-sized flamingos and unicorns with the giant inflatable to your right.
The craziness doesn’t stop there though - far from it - you’ve got music blaring out, adult ball pits (I kid you not) and a make-up station for those wanting to add a bit of glitter to their lives.
Blokes opted to slap it all over their beards, too. Told you it’s mad.
I was swiftly greeted by the crew in charge and, after they kitted me out in a Monster snapback and an luminous-coloured ‘I heart a bit of bouncy bouncy’ T-shirt, I was good to go.
I looked like a backing dancer from Ant and Dec’s Let’s Get Ready to Rhumble video in the early 90s and it was as if I was about to get my rave on.
Looking ridiculous was all for a good cause though, right? Giving our avid readers what they want: what’s The Monster all about and is it worth the 23 quid?
Well, £20 doesn’t really stretch that far nowadays anyway and, for something a bit different rather than going to the pub or having a Nando’s, it was all good fun.
I think it would be great for a first date and I noticed a couple going around who were perhaps breaking the ice. The girl couldn’t get over the barrier so the lad helped her. It could have been a ‘remember our first date moment for them’. Young love, eh!
Awesome Things To Do
I had to jump in and help someone too as some of the inflatable walls are quite high.
It’s all in the bounce though, obviously, and the trick is to tackle this course head-on - as if The Monster himself was chasing after you.
I rued leaving my inhaler in the officer and it’s fair to say I was out of breath from all that bouncing.
Up and over. Down and up. All this falling-on-your-face business is hard work alright.
I felt drunk, what with the explosion of colour, outrageous obstacles and deafening tunes. Everyone was having a good time and it was like being a rosy-cheeked kid again at the Wacky Warehouse.
For parents it’s all about the kids these days and this typifies that adults and young people can have some good old-fashioned fun, too.
As well as the 300 metres of madness - which takes anything between 10 to 30 minutes depending on your pace - there’s street food vans, ice cream, burgers, cocktails and beers for those wanting to wind down.
All in all The Monster gets a thumbs up - it’s something different and perfect for young couples.
For those who are into their extreme challenges, it’s certainly no Wolf Run and, that said, it’s probably not for you.
It’s a nice Monster who loves nothing more than ‘a bit of bouncy bouncy’ - whatever that might be...
How to get tickets and how long do you get?
The Monster landed at Birmingham's NEC on Friday and it's here until Sunday, September, 23.
Sessions are priced at £23 for a 30-minute slot however, event facilities such as beer stalls and food vans are available for as long as you want.
The course is for people aged 16 and over however, there are two kids-only sessions on Saturday and Sunday, both between 10am and 11am. Kids are charged £23, too.
Adult-only sessions run every half-hour from 11am to 11pm.
It costs £3.04 to spectate.
For more details, visit www.themonsteruk.com
- Join 23,000 others and like our What's On Birmingham Live Facebook page for the best, weirdest and most exciting things happening in our city.
