SHAFTESBURY ANNOUNCES THE OPENING OF MINIONS: THE RISE OF GRU RECORD STORE

Shaftesbury announces the opening of Minions: The Rise of Gru Record store at 19/21 Foubert’s Place. The vinyl pop-up brings a 70’s explosion back to Carnaby to celebrate the release of illumination’s.

● Dubbed Despicable Discs, the one-stop vinyl swap shop will see visitors exchange their own records for groovy gems from the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s, with all records donated to Oxfam

● Whether visitors are vinyl nuts or are simply looking for a fun day out, they can explore Illumination’s mischievous and vibrant world of Gru and the Minions with hidden rooms, a Swizzels Wheel of Fortune, a ‘Min-finity room’, photo booths and DJ sets, all inspired by the new film

● Despicable Discs will throw open its doors on 18th June on Foubert’s Place, off Carnaby Street, and remain in business for a limited time to celebrate the release of Illumination’s Minions: The Rise of Gru in cinemas 1st July.

Simon Quayle, Executive Director at Shaftesbury says "We are delighted that the 'Despicable Discs' pop-up is coming to Carnaby in celebration of the premiere of the second Minions movie. We hope visitors to the area can enjoy transporting back in time to the 70's whilst immersing themselves in the vinyl pop up. It is exciting that vinyl lovers can come together to swap vintage records and donate to charity alongside a whole range of immersive minion themed experiences. It is set to be a fun experience which we hope the whole family can enjoy."

This summer is set to be the most swinging in a generation as Illumination’s Minions return to cinemas in the new action-comedy Minions: The Rise of Gru. The film, which hits UK cinemas 1st July, takes Gru and the Minions back to the psychedelic 1970s, and to celebrate their return, London will see the opening of Despicable Discs, a vintage record store paying homage to the disco-loving decade.

Located on Foubert’s Place in Soho, a short strut away from the capital’s coolest locale of Carnaby Street, the 1970s vinyl swap shop will open on 18th June and encourage visitors to exchange their record relics for groovy gems from the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s. All the discs received at the pop up will be donated to Oxfam and sold to raise money for its poverty-fighting work around the world.

Despicable Discs will boast a whole host of funky features for visitors not swapping vinyl. Guests will be able to experience hidden rooms and daily challenges, DJ sets and shareable photo opportunities, all perfect for scene-stealing selfies with friends and family. Celebrating another ’70s icon, a Swizzels Wheel of Fortune will ensure every party-loving pilgrim leaves with a bag of Pick n Mix and other sweet surprises. Getting Soho back in the groove in time for the release of Minions: The Rise of Gru, which hits UK cinemas on 1st July.

For entry to the pop-up and to sign up for all activities, go to EventBrite at: www.despicablediscsvinylshop.eventbrite.co.uk. The site lists the full opening schedule as well as information on how to book your visit and full terms and conditions. A limited number of walk-ins will be allowed each day.

Notes to editor:

Carnaby

Carnaby is in the heart of London’s West End, where over 100 retail brands of quality and distinction and over 60 independent restaurants, cafes and bars can be found across 14 streets, including the world famous Carnaby Street. Carnaby is a unique and iconic experiential shopping, dining and leisure destination. Due to the current situation, Carnaby’s shops, restaurants, cafes and bars have temporarily closed, however we continue to support brands who are trading online and we look forward to welcoming visitors back to Carnaby when it is safe to do so.

Follow @CarnabyLondon and visit Carnaby.co.uk for full updates, news and information.

Shaftesbury

Shaftesbury owns and manages a 16 acre property portfolio in the liveliest parts of London's West End. The portfolio comprises of restaurants, cafés, pubs and shops, extending to apartments and offices in the highly popular, sought-after and prosperous locations of Carnaby, Seven Dials and Chinatown, together with substantial ownerships in East and West Covent Garden, Soho and Fitzrovia.

All our properties are close to the main West End Underground stations, and within ten minutes’ walk of the two West End transport hubs for the Elizabeth Line, at Tottenham Court Road and Bond Street.@shaftesburyplc shaftesbury.co.uk

OXFAM

Oxfam is a global movement of people all working towards the same goal – an end to the injustice of poverty.Together we save and rebuild lives in disasters, help people earn a living, and speak out on the big issues, likeinequality and climate change, that keep people poor.

Oxfam has more than 500 shops in the UK, many selling vinyl and CDs, and six specialist music shops. By shopping second hand in Oxfam shops you can protect our planet, while helping the poorest people around the world to escape the injustice of poverty.

To visit the Oxfam Online Shop go to: https://onlineshop.oxfam.org.uk/

To find your local Oxfam shop and specialist Oxfam shops go to: https://www.oxfam.org.uk/shops/

MINIONS: THE RISE OF GRU SYNOPSIS:

This summer, from the biggest global animated franchise in history, comes the origin story of how the world’s greatest supervillain first met his iconic Minions, forged cinema’s most despicable crew and faced off against the most unstoppable criminal force ever assembled in Minions: The Rise of Gru.

Long before he becomes the master of evil, Gru (Oscar® nominee Steve Carell) is just a 12-year-old boy in 1970s suburbia, plotting to take over the world from his basement. When the infamous supervillain supergroup, the Vicious 6, oust their leader, Gru interviews to become their newest member, but instead finds himself the mortal enemy of the apex of evil. With Gru on the run, the Minions attempt to master the art of kung fu to save him, and Gru discovers that even bad guys need a little help from their friends.

Featuring more spectacular action than any film in Illumination history and packed with the franchise’s signature subversive humor, Minions: The Rise of Gru stars a thrilling new cast, including, as the Vicious 6, Taraji P. Henson, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Lucy Lawless, Dolph Lundgren, Danny Trejo and Oscar® winner Alan Arkin. The film is produced by Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri, Janet Healy and Chris Renaud and is directed by returning franchise filmmaker Kyle Balda. Minions: The Rise of Gru features the iconic voice of Pierre Coffin as the Minions and a killer ’70s soundtrack courtesy of legendary Grammy-winning music producer Jack Antonoff.

For further information please contact Meghan Ryan/ Hannah Deacon at Sister London

[email protected] / [email protected]