Forum Castelo Branco, managed by real estate consultancy Cushman & Wakefield, was transformed into an indoor campsite for one night.
In a unique initiative that took place from the night of July 23 to July 24, 120 children spent the night inside the shopping centre in an event organized in partnership with the Preschool and After-School Activities Centre (CATL) of the Centro Social Padres Redentoristas.
With summer holidays in full swing and thousands of children attending holiday programmes and leisure activities, the initiative aimed to provide a different experience for the children and give them the opportunity to discover a shopping centre beyond its normal operating hours, exploring behind-the-scenes areas and experiencing the space in a completely new way.
Aged between 5 and 12 years old, the children arrived equipped with mattresses, pillows, and all the essentials needed for an indoor “camping” experience. The CATL usually organizes its traditional overnight camp at its own facilities, but this year Forum Castelo Branco and the CATL team challenged the youngsters with a totally unexpected setting.
The programme included dinner at the shopping centre, an outdoor foam party, and an overnight stay in two of Forum Castelo Branco’s stores. The following morning, the children woke up, had breakfast, and returned to their summer activities.
“Over the past few years, we have welcomed numerous institutions to Forum Castelo Branco, and there is always one thing in common: curiosity about everything that happens beyond what visitors can see. This event was inspired by the last visit from a group of children and was created in response to that fascination. It is a pioneering initiative that reinforces our role within the community and will provide unique experiences and memories for all participants,” said Vânia Esteves, Marketing Manager of Forum Castelo Branco, Retail Asset Services at Cushman & Wakefield.
“It was a unique and enjoyable moment for our children. This little adventure at Forum Castelo Branco will certainly remain a cherished memory for them,” said the team from Centro Social Padres Redentoristas.
The initiative was supported by McDonald’s and Pingo Doce, and was supervised throughout by the team from Centro Social Padres Redentoristas. The shopping centre also reinforced its security measures during the event.
Managed by Cushman & Wakefield since 2010, Forum Castelo Branco is one of the leading shopping centres in the region. It is home to around 70 stores, offering a wide range of shopping, leisure, and convenience options. With its accessible location and diverse retail offering, it serves as an important meeting point for residents and visitors, while also hosting cultural and entertainment events throughout the year.
