Pop up play town brings big imaginations to little ones
A new role-play experience is popping up in community venues across Greater Glasgow this month bringing pint-sized professions and plenty of pretend fun to preschoolers and their families.
Article Source: Pretend Town
Last Updated: 2 September 2025 11:44
Pretend Town is a mobile play concept featuring ten themed pods – including a supermarket, space centre, car garage, post office, and hair salon – designed to spark imaginations through open-ended, child-led play. Each pod includes colourful backdrops, props, and costumes to inspire creativity and offer a picture-perfect day out for little ones.
Founded by local mum-of-three Megan Brawley, the sessions cater to a mix of age groups, encouraging children to explore through imaginative play while inviting grown-ups to get involved too.
After spotting similar role-play models in other cities, Megan realised Glasgow lacked a mobile version and decided to create one herself. The pop-up format allows her to rotate between venues throughout the week, avoiding the costs of a permanent premises.
Megan, currently on maternity leave from her role as a business analyst, said: “Pretend Town came from my own experience as a parent – trying to find something that worked for all three of my kids, who are four, two, and six months. I tried soft plays, baby groups, toddler groups – but nothing really worked for us as a family. I wanted to create something that let children of different ages play together in the same space, with the grown-ups joining in too. That kind of play is so important – not just for their development, but for building memories.
“My kids love dressing up and pretending to be doctors or astronauts or shopkeepers. You can see their imaginations light up when they step into a new role, and that’s really special to watch. Pretend Town is about giving other families the chance to experience that joy and creativity – and hopefully make some brilliant memories along the way.”
To bring her idea to life, Megan secured a £20,000 loan from Virgin StartUp through the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme, which helped her purchase high-quality props, develop the backdrops, and buy a van to transport the full setup between venues.
While Megan plans to return to her analyst role initially, her long-term goal is to make Pretend Town her full-time focus. Her husband, Eddie Harbinson, who runs the Lanarkshire arm of Little Kickers – a nationwide brand of kids football training clubs – will support her with venue setup and logistics. Eventually, Megan hopes to run Pretend Town as a franchise, giving other parents the chance to run their own local pop-up with the flexibility to fit around family life.
Since its inception in 2012, the Start Up Loans programme has provided £10.4 million across 1,122 loans in Glasgow.
Barry McCulloch, Senior Manager, UK Network, Scotland at the British Business Bank, said: “Megan’s story is a brilliant example of spotting a gap in the market and turning personal experience into a business with great potential. Pretend Town is imaginative, inclusive, and packed with fun – we’re proud the Start Up Loans programme could play a part in helping it get off the ground.”
Diana Greenhalgh, Operations Lead at Virgin StartUp, said: “It’s been fantastic to watch Pretend Town go from an idea discussed with one of our business advisors, through to a fully-fledged business at the heart of the community. It just goes to show how with the right funding and the right advice, business ideas can quickly come to life and flourish. We’ve been delighted to be part of Megan’s journey.”
Sessions will run at Rutherglen URC Church, Newton Mearns Parish Church, St John’s Parish Church in Hamilton, and Glebe Street Community Hall in East Kilbride, with two time slots available each day. Prices start from £7.50 per child, with up to 25 spaces per session. Weekend party bookings are also available for birthdays and special occasions.
Find out more at pretendtown.co.uk
Sponsored Links
Latest East Renfrewshire News
M&Ds teams up with Zombie Infection for a heart pounding, live action horror attraction
M&D's is set to transform into Scotland's Scream Park with the launch of Zombie Checkpoint, a live action immersive horror experience creating a heart racing adventure not for the faint hearted.
READ MORE
Iconic films to take centre stage at Vue venues in Scotland
Iconic movies celebrating key milestones this year are returning to Vue for a limited run - including Steven Spielberg classic Jaws.
READ MORE
20 expert sessions at The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show
The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show will be packed with expert speakers when it returns to the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston on 4th – 5th October 2025.
READ MORE
A Taste of Loch Lomond Book launches with live cooking demo at the Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival
Love Loch Lomond will officially launch its new publication, A Taste of Loch Lomond – Stories and Flavours from the Bonnie Banks, at the Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival on Sunday 7th September.
READ MORE
Seriously fun ideas for your work Christmas Party
It might only be September, but the C-word is not too far away, so it's time to start thinking about planning the annual office Christmas shindig before everything gets booked up!
READ MORE
Transformative Aurs Road project remains on track
A project to transform the route between Barrhead and Newton Mearns by creating a safer road, an active travel route, and waterside promenade is on track to be delivered by Spring 2026.
READ MORE
Business Gateway launches its first ever Scottish Start Up Month
Business Gateway, Scotland's national business support service, has launched Scottish Start-Up Month, a nationwide campaign to celebrate Scotland's entrepreneurial spirit.
READ MORE
Pop up play town brings big imaginations to little ones
A new role-play experience is popping up in community venues across Greater Glasgow this month bringing pint-sized professions and plenty of pretend fun to preschoolers and their families.
READ MORE
Fresh new line up for one of the biggest FREE food and drink festivals in Scotland
Vikings, a pie eating competition, new celebrated chef and dog & duck shows set to bring new energy to Loch Lomond Food and Drink Festival this September.
READ MORE
From pouring pints to the red carpet: The Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 crowns its hospitality stars!
The winners of the 2025 Scottish Bar & Pub Awards were unveiled on the 26th of August at a glittering, Oscars-themed ceremony held at the Doubletree by Hilton, Glasgow.
READ MORE
Scottish karate champion set for competitive season
Scottish karate champion Dylan Rush is looking forward to competing in series of international competitions over the coming weeks.
READ MORE
Best Croissant Competition returns for 2025
The Edinburgh Butter Company has announced the return of its ‘Scotland’s Best Croissant’ competition on Monday 13th October.
READ MORE
GlasGLOW announces all new show for 2025, inspired by the legendary 80s campaign that made Glasgow smile
itison has confirmed that GlasGLOW will return to the Botanic Gardens from 24th October – 2nd November for its eighth year and with its biggest show yet... GlasGLOW's Miles Better!
READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland launches Talking About Heritage
People across Scotland invited to take part in national conversation about heritage.
READ MORE
Tickets now on sale for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo closes the drawbridge on its 75th anniversary Show, as tickets for next year go on sale.
READ MORE
Cooking up a treat as potential multi million pound boost for East Renfrewshire economy revealed
Businesses in East Renfrewshire are backing a fresh drive that could inject £5m-a-year more into the region's economy.
READ MORE
Eastwood Park venues celebrate Doors Open Festival
East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure will offer exclusive behind-the-scenes access and guided tours as part of Scotland’s Doors Open Day festival!
READ MORE
Primark celebrates 50 years in Scotland with a wee nod to loyal Scots in all stores today
Scottish shoppers will hardly believe it when they see it today as Primark finally relents on one of its biggest brand debates after 50 years.
READ MORE
Christmas at Crieff Hydro returns with magical line up of festive activities
Scotland's best loved family resort, Crieff Hydro, has unveiled details of a specially curated programme of events as it prepares to welcome guests over the festive period.
READ MORE
Scots Language Awards 2025 shortlist unveiled
The shortlist for the Scots Language Awards 2025 has been unveiled, with figures from Scottish literature, theatre, education and business all in the running for awards at the annual ceremony.
READ MORE
Eastwood Park Theatre announces Autumn 2025 programme
Featuring Barbara Dickson, Gordon Strachan, Mhairi Black, Tam Cowan, Kerry Ellis and more...
READ MORE
Innis & Gunn wins double gold at the World Beer Awards 2025
Innis & Gunn has claimed double gold on the global stage, winning best in Scotland for the second year running at the World Beer Awards.
READ MORE
Santa Claus is coming to Dobbies
From exciting encounters with Santa himself to hands-on workshops and joyful family moments, Dobbies is the destination for festive fun this Christmas!
READ MORE
Singalong screening of K Pop Demon Hunters heading to Vue venues in Scotland, with tickets on sale now
One of the most-watched films on Netflix is heading to Vue next weekend for a special sing-along event – with tickets on sale now!
READ MORE
Free September gardening workshops at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is inspiring gardeners across Scotland this September with two free-to-attend gardening workshops, Little Seedlings Club and Grow How, suitable for all ages and abilities.
READ MORE
Finalists announced for Scottish Bar & Pubs Awards 2025
Lights, Pints, Action! Scotland's pubs go for gold at the hospitality industry's very own oscars.
READ MORE
Eastwood Park Theatre searches for junior dancing stars
Aspiring young stage stars can step into the spotlight this festive season as part of Eastwood Park Theatre's pantomime, Cinderella.
READ MORE
Cereal giant to support STV Childrens Appeal campaign to fund breakfast clubs in Scottish schools
Stronger Together: Kellogg's pledges pound-for-pound match for Big Scottish Breakfast Fundraiser.
READ MORE
Step into the ring: XSite Braehead hosts knockout wrestling event
Let's get ready to rumble! The heavyweight champion of entertainment and leisure, XSite Braehead, invites the local community to its big wrestling event!
READ MORE
Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Motorhome, Caravan & Holiday Home Show
The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links