AN interactive retelling of a legendary Christmas story has transformed the streets of Colchester into a magical and musical wonderland.
The Christmas Carol Festive Trail has officially launched in the city, brining to life the timeless tale of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
The free experience, running until January 8, consists of 12 QR codes which can be found in empty shop units in the centre of Colchester.
When scanned on a smartphone camera, each unique code will bring up a recording of a different chapter from the historic story.
The narration will be accompanied by well-known Christmas carols and original music written and recorded specially for the trail.
The spectacular audio reimaging has been transformed from content produced by local production company, The Christmas Carol Experience.
Joseph Rawlings, co-director, said: “It has been a joy to re-invent Dickens’ timeless novella into an interactive creative experience that celebrates just some of the awe-inspiring theatrical and artistic talent Essex has to offer.”
In addition to the experience, for which participants will need a phone and headphones, each empty shop window will feature art for artists and groups.
Each display will show the characters and events of the specific chapter in a creative and thought-provoking way.
The windows will also be accompanied by the work of primary and secondary school students, and the residents of Balkerne Gardens
Adam Saiz Abo Henriksen, co-director, said: “It’s incredibly exciting working alongside the brilliant artists, community groups and performers, who have brought the chapters of this wonderful Christmas story to life in our city centre-wide installation.”
The Christmas Carol Festive Trail can be experienced in a single trip of around one and a half hours but repeat visits can be made throughout the period of the installation.
To take part in the trail, just head to the city centre between now and January with your phone and headphones.
To find out more information visit christmascarolfestivetrail.co.uk
The Christmas Carol Festive Trail has been made possible with support from Essex County Council's 'Arts and Cultural Fund' and Our Colchester's 'Create Fund'.
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