An Arcade, a Museum, and a Dream

In Whitley Bay, a seaside town near Newcastle upon Tyne, the once-vibrant Seaside Palace Arcade stood as a faded echo of childhood summers. Its neon lights had dimmed, its claw machines silent, and by 2025, it faced closure, a victim of changing times. For Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly—Britain’s beloved TV duo, Ant and Dec—the arcade was a treasure trove of memories, where they’d spent pocket money on pinball and dreamed big under the clatter of coins. When they learned it was for sale, they bought it for £780,000, leaving even their closest friends stunned. A vanity project? A nostalgia trip? Their plan was far bolder.

At a windswept press event on Whitley Bay’s promenade in October 2025, Ant and Dec unveiled their vision: the arcade would become the Seaside Digital Museum, a free “living museum” teaching kids from disadvantaged backgrounds game programming, coding, and digital skills. Part arcade, part tech hub, it would preserve classic games while offering workshops, computers, and mentorship to spark the next generation of creators. “This place was our playground,” Ant said, his eyes bright. “Now it’s a place for kids to build their future.” Dec added, “We’re not just saving games—we’re giving kids tools to dream.”

The transformation was extraordinary. The arcade’s retro charm was restored—flashing lights, vintage Pac-Man machines—but now blended with sleek coding labs, 3D printers, and VR stations. Funded by Ant and Dec’s foundation, the museum offered free classes in game design, app development, and animation, with scholarships for standout students. Local coders, game developers, and teachers volunteered, and the community, shocked by the duo’s vision, rallied. Schools bused in kids, and families spread the word, packing the arcade’s opening day.

Among the first students was 14-year-old Mia Clarkson, a quiet girl from a nearby estate. Raised by her grandparents after her parents’ struggles with addiction, Mia loved video games but felt out of place in school, her shyness masking a knack for problem-solving. She’d spend hours sketching game characters on scrap paper, dreaming of creating her own worlds. A community worker, spotting her doodles, encouraged her to join the museum. Mia, nervous but curious, submitted a simple game concept—a platformer where a girl saves a virtual seaside town. Ant and Dec, reviewing applications, were charmed by her creativity. “This is special,” Dec said. Mia was accepted with a scholarship.

At the museum, Mia was hesitant, intimidated by the buzzing tech and confident peers. Her mentor, Mr. Sam, a game developer, saw her potential but knew she needed encouragement. Ant and Dec, who popped in regularly, noticed her sketching during a workshop. Ant sat beside her, joking, “You’re designing the next Mario, aren’t you?” Mia blushed but showed him her drawings. Dec, peering over, said, “Mia, you’ve got to code this. Let’s make it real.” Their enthusiasm lit a spark, and Mia began learning to program her game, bit by bit.

The museum’s first showcase, a “Game Jam” in February 2026, invited students to present their projects to the community. Mia worked tirelessly on her game, “Seaside Quest,” where players rebuilt a town through puzzles and teamwork. She doubted herself, fearing her game was too simple. On the event night, the arcade glowed with retro lights and screens displaying student games. Ant and Dec hosted, their banter easing nerves. When Mia’s turn came, she presented “Seaside Quest,” her voice shaky but clear, explaining how it honored Whitley Bay’s spirit. The game’s colorful art and heartfelt story—drawn from her own hope for renewal—captivated the crowd.

When the demo ended, the room erupted. Mia’s grandparents, in the front row, wept, hugging her tightly. A local tech firm owner offered to mentor Mia, and Ant and Dec, beaming, presented her with a custom arcade token engraved with “Seaside Star.” “You’ve built something beautiful,” Ant said, his voice thick. Dec added, “This is just the start, Mia.” The crowd’s cheers echoed, and Mia, once too shy to speak, stood tall, her eyes shining with pride.

The moment went viral. A video of Mia’s presentation, posted on X with #SeasideQuest, racked up millions of views. Fans praised Ant and Dec’s vision, sharing stories of their own childhood arcades and dreams. Donations flooded in, expanding the museum’s programs to include robotics and digital art. Mia’s game inspired other students, who collaborated on new projects, turning the arcade into a hub of creativity.

Ant and Dec launched a “Code the Coast” campaign to fund similar tech hubs in seaside towns across the UK. Celebrities like Jodie Comer and Tim Peake joined, leading workshops and boosting the cause. The museum became a magnet for young talent, with Mia’s game featured in a regional tech expo, earning her a scholarship to study game design. Her grandparents, bursting with pride, volunteered at the museum, sharing stories of Whitley Bay’s past with new students.

The town, initially floored by the arcade’s purchase, embraced the museum as a symbol of revival. Schools partnered to bring more kids, and businesses sponsored equipment, ensuring its growth. At a festival marking the museum’s first year, Mia showcased an updated “Seaside Quest,” now with VR elements, to a packed crowd. Ant and Dec, watching her lead a workshop, grinned. “This is why we came back,” Dec said. For Mia, the arcade wasn’t just a place—it was where she found her voice. And for Whitley Bay, the story of a shy girl’s breakthrough proved that an old game could spark a new dream, lighting up a town and beyond.