In April, Rutland will welcome a new outdoor laser-tag centre at Rutland Water's Sykes Lane. 

In anticipation of their grand opening on 2 April, Oakham Nub News have got 'up close' with the Rumble Live Action Gaming team to find out more about the anticipated addition to Rutland Water and to learn about the inspiration behind this high-tech, family-run operation. 

School and work groups, families, and solo adventurers can enjoy this new attraction. Image credit: Rumble Live Action Gaming.

When their oldest son, Joe, suffered a serious health scare the Rumble clan decided to give up their day jobs and adventure into the world of live action gaming. 

Jacquie Rumble, business owner and matriarch of the Rumble family, explained how the venture was first instigated: "Our son Joe had a health scare when he was 12 and, after some very scary days in intensive care, it made us all realise what's important in life - health, our time and the memories we make together and seizing the day. We knew we wanted to find a way of being together more. The first seeds were sown around this time."

However, the family still had some way to go before their dream of creating a family business to enable the Rumbles to spend more time together could become a reality.

A mum to three boys, Jacquie was inspired by them, and their passion for online gaming. 

She said: "It was Joe's passion for online gaming with friends that started the whole idea really. He and his younger brothers were spending less and less time being active and outside because of their love for gaming and we wanted to fix that.  

"Joe had enjoyed laser tag when he was younger, but found it a bit 'lame' as he got older. He always said it could be much cooler and together with his Dad and brother did a lot of research on what equipment was available worldwide."

Together the family worked on ideas for a laser-tag venue where visitors both young and older could enjoy the feel of gaming, but in a stimulating outdoor environment.

When Joe turned 16 in 2019, the first Rumble site was launched at Grafham Water. 

Jacquie added: "The boys were all part of the ideas creation, choice of kit and the business plan from the start and helped clear the original site at Grafham Water, learnt how to build barriers and towers and worked every weekend and school holiday to build Rumble between January and June 2019."

All of their hard work paid off, with the Grafham Water site gaining popularity quickly. Families of all generations visit the site, which has been "far more popular than we ever could have imagined," Jacquie said. 

It seems that Jacquie's wish to get her boys outside has come true, as Joe is currently working 7 days a week "flat out" building the new Sykes Lane site.

Team up or play solo at Rumble. Image credit: Rumble Live Action Gaming.

But what is laser-tag? 

Laser tag is a recreational shooting sport where participants use infrared-emitting light guns to tag designated targets – whether that be each other or locations around the arena.

Visitors to the site can, as solo players or teams, enjoy an hour in their specially constructed arenas with the aim of hitting the most targets, while being hit the least amount possible themselves. 

Jacquie added: "It's a completely unique experience; it combines the outdoor elements of paintball with the contact and pain-free elements of laser-tag."

Laser tag sites are usually in dark, hot rooms, and while paintball is great for getting you out and about in the fresh air, but can be painful and messy – it certainly isn't for everyone. 

Jacquie said: "We combined the best of these offerings along with key elements of video games gameplay, including hidden utility boxes around the woods and the ability to earn 'killstreaks' and weapon upgrades, to create a truly unique environment that appeals to adults and children alike.

"For us, the exercise and fresh air element is incredibly important. It allows the whole family to get outside and active, have fun, blow off steam, make memories and even meet new people."

On top of running their weekend sessions, the team will be hosting mid-week holiday bookings and fun themed days. 

Jacquie said: "We love themed days! We will therefore be holding a Star Wars themed event to celebrate Star Wars Day, which is May 4 – May the fourth be with you! Star Wars Day at Grafham Water will be on 29 April and Rutland on 1 May, which coincides with Bank Holiday Monday. 

"We held a Star Wars Day last year at Grafham Water and it was a real hit, we had themed missions, Storm Troopers and a visit from Darth Vader. An inside tip for this year: look out for Kylo Ren!"

The site is scheduled to be open over the weekends, and some mid-week days during the holidays, and will be open until early November, so you have plenty of time to get your fill – unless it sells out! 

Bookings are going well for their first weekend, so don't miss out. 

The team can't wait to meet all of their Rutland customers when the site officially opens on 2 April. 

Book online, or find out more on their Facebook page.

See you there! Image credit: Rumble Live Action Gaming.