Trail set to bring festive spirit to high streets

Selby District Council has teamed up with QR code trail experts High Street Safari to create an interactive story-trail designed to encourage children to walk, have fun and get engaged.

Coun David Buckle, Lead Executive Member for Communities and Economic Development, said: “The Christmas experience is going to be a little different this year and families will be looking for fun activities that they can enjoy safely.

“The Christmas Spirit Trail is a free and fun activity that can be enjoyed in a safe, socially distanced and contactless way.

“It gives families the chance to get outside, discover their local high street and see the festive lights, while supporting local businesses.

“Our high streets are at the heart of our communities and the Christmas Trail is a great way for families to experience them this Christmas.”

The trail, around each of the town centres with 10 Christmas Spirit characters, takes on average about 45 minutes to complete the 1.5 mile route. Entrants can win a Christmas e-book at the end.

The trail works by utilising contactless QR codes, without the need for families to download or sign up to anything.

The Christmas Spirit Trail, using contactless QR codes without the need to sign up to, revolves around a magical story that includes Albert Claus, the less famous brother of Father Christmas.

His job is to maintain the Spirit of Christmas by spreading joy bubbles on Christmas day, but he’s gone missing.

By visiting the trail stops and speaking to each of the cheerful Spirits of Christmas, players will learn what has happened to Albert and, finally, be able to solve the mystery, save him and read the conclusion with the free e-book.

Co-ordinator Martin Blackwell, said: “Something fun like this can help make families feel good about going back out onto the high street.”