New AR trail opens in Ipswich

A bunch of augmented reality creatures are hiding in Christchurch Park in Ipswich this week.

It's part of a new trail that's been set up for half term run by the Borough Council and High Street Safari.

The trail, which is a story driven experience, will see families track down 11 Mexican folk-art inspired Alebrije creatures hidden throughout the park.

Alebrije is a form of folk art that originated in Mexico where animals, both real and fantastical, are ornately decorated with colourful patterns and motifs. To give the trail a local spin, the Council has even got High Street Safari to give Mabel the owl an Alebrije inspired makeover - you will find her hiding in the park with the other creatures.

The trail is completely contactless and uses QR codes so that anyone with a smartphone can take part – you don’t have to download or sign up to anything.

When families scan each creature’s unique QR code they’ll collect digital stamps, learn more of the story and be able to take selfies and videos with some AR characters meaning that players not only get to discover the creatures in the park, but actually see some of them burst to life right in front of them.

After spotting all 11 creatures, families will be rewarded with a free e-book that concludes the story.

The trail runs from Monday 25 October – Monday 22 November 2021.

Cllr Phil Smart, Ipswich Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Parks, said:

“We are thrilled to be bringing this free interactive trail to Christchurch Park and giving families an opportunity to get out, be active and have fun this half term and beyond. We can’t wait to see families exploring the park and discovering the variety of magical creatures hiding there, including our very own Mabel the owl!