Boom Clap Play has always had a childlike spirit at its core, driven by the imaginations of its founders, David and Andy. For years, the studio has been dedicated to creating content for children, blending creativity, technology, and play in unexpected ways.

From crafting stories with puppets to building immersive experiences that explore the cosmos, Boom Clap Play has never shied away from pushing the boundaries of what kids’ entertainment can be.

Then came an opportunity they couldn’t pass up: Belfast 2024, a city-wide cultural celebration aimed at bringing about transformative change. At the time, the studio was knee-deep in research and development, working on ways to make physical spaces more interactive, dynamic, and fun. The timing was perfect, and they decided to pitch their vision for Belfast 2024—a city transformed into a living, breathing world where play was not just encouraged but at the forefront. They believed Belfast could be more playful, more alive, and Boom Clap Play set out to prove it.

The competition for Belfast 2024 was fierce, and the submission process demanded nothing less than excellence. To make their idea stand out, Boom Clap Play knew they needed strong partners. They teamed up with Big Motive, a research and design agency, and Playboard NI, an expert in child-centred play.

Big Motive would bring their expertise in design, while Playboard NI would ensure the final product spoke directly to its young audience. Together, they began to craft something truly special.

The process was both exhilarating and challenging. The team brought together engineers, designers,
play specialists, musicians, artists, and even children to brainstorm and shape their vision. Workshops were filled with laughter and creativity, and presentations sparked ideas that would have never come to light otherwise. With every step, the project grew richer and more immersive, drawing from a wealth of diverse expertise.

But as with any ambitious project, there were bumps along the way. Technical issues cropped up, and some of the more innovative ideas had to be rethought. These setbacks caused stress and frustration, forcing the team to pivot and make difficult decisions. Yet as they worked through these problems, something magical began to happen—new solutions emerged, often better than the original ideas.

In the end, Boom Clap Play didn’t just create an experience for Belfast 2024. The project reshaped the way they approached creativity, instilling in them a deeper belief in the power of play. In a world increasingly focused on STEM and structured learning, they realised that sometimes kids just need freedom—without an agenda, without a goal, just for the sake of play.

As Belfast 2024 winds down, Boom Clap Play’s contribution will stand as a testament to the power of imagination and collaboration. But more than that, it will be a legacy of change—for the city, for the studio, and for how they view the world of play. The project has opened up new possibilities for the studio, guiding them toward a future where play is not just part of their work but the heart of it.