Huge queues in Sheffield city centre as major Pokemon event draws in fans at shops
Fans queueing outside city centre shop from 7am
This was the scene in Sheffield city centre today - as fans of Pokemon turned out in force for a special anniversary.
Queues stretched along The Moor this morning, as fans of the popular game waited outside the Forbidden Planet shop to pick up specially released cards.
Collectors have described it as the brand's biggest day for years.
The Sheffield book and game shop was among stores across the country opening up to queues this morning as fans of the game rushed out to pick up special 30th anniversary collectables released to mark the landmark date.
There was a selection of cards and toys and accessories available.
Staff member Dan Liles, who wore a Pikachu hat for the event, was letting people into the shop on a one in, one out basis, as it was so busy.
He said: “They’ve been queueing since about 7am I believe.”
One mum in the queue said: “We’re queueing here because it’s the first drop for Pokemon’s 30th birthday celebration and just hoping to get a little bit of something today. It’s 30 years of Pokemon - we’ve all loved it since teeny tinies! My son has got into it now.”
A dad who had joined the line of people waiting to get in said he was shocked at the size of the queue.
He said: “I’m here to collect some Pokemon cars for my son.
”I’m stood at the back, and there are a lot of people in front of me. I just know that my boy is really excited and I’m here to collect the cards for him, hopefully, should I get any.”